AWA Magazine Sept/Oct 2020 - Annual Issue

Singapore

2020

A WA Magazine All women, All walks of life,

All Nationalities

BEST GROUPS to join

for socializing, playing sports or learning new skills

inside find every

Top ten KID-APPROVED adventures in Singapore

Find out how to navigate

HAWKER CENTERS

and eat like a local

2021

Contents

2020.2021 issue 02 04

President's Message Letter From the Editor

AWA Group Scoop 06 AWA Singapore History 08 Social Groups 10 Special Interest Groups 12 Sports Groups 14 Volunteering 16 Community Service 18 Local Tours 38 AWA Board Members 40 Communication Team

AWA Singapore's annual Magazine

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Bits & Bites of Expat Life 22 24 26 27 28 30 32 34 36 41 42

Exploring Singapore Family Fun Adventures The Fork & Chopstick Watering Holes Hawker Centers Settling In You're Not Alone Ask an Expert Expat Writers' Block Emergency Numbers AWA Potpourri

Cover Photo AWA Holiday Lunch, Dec. 2019

by Jeremiah Lee of Hey Gorgeous Ph Editor-in-Chief Tori Nelson editor@awasingapore.org Staff Managing Editor - Emily Oberton Graphic Editor - Gina Vono Technical Director - Celine Suiter Copy Editors - Helena A. Cochrane - Amanda Jaffe Advertising Katherine McCall advertising@awasingapore.org Jasmine Wells-Yeo advertisingsales@awasingapore.org

www.awasingapore.org

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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 sales@xpress.sg MCI (P) 113/08/2020 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 AWA Magazine is published 6 times per year. The American Women’s Association and the AWA Magazine neither endorse nor take responsibility for the opinions expressed herein. Please address all comments and queries to the AWA Magazine Editor. AWA does not endorse or promote any product or service offered through any advertisement that may appear in the AWA Magazine.

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President's Message

American Women's Association Of Singapore

Dear AWA Singapore members and interested newcomers, Hello to everyone and welcome to the newcomers! As I write this, we are still in Phase 2 of post-Circuit Breaker reopening in Singapore. The future is uncertain in terms of travel and COVID-19, and I hope you and your families are well and safe.

Deb Minnock President

I am honored to serve as President of such a wonderful organization this year. As you will see from this magazine and from our website, we have a lot of varied activities, and everyone can find a place within this 85-year-old organization to have fun, get acclimated and be comfortable, and have an enriched experience while living here as guests of this beautiful country, Singapore.

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.” The AWA, as an organization, strives for the “best day,” and our amazing volunteers make this happen time and time again.

As President of this wonderful organization, I want community service and inclusion to be important this year, given the seemingly chaotic world around us.

Though we can only meet in low numbers for most activities at this juncture, we will do our best to offer virtual and real activities to help old-comers and newcomers alike to enjoy a fulfilled and meaningful life on the Red Dot. We will seek to offer larger attendance at events as soon as it is safe and we are able. Be well!

Best regards,

The motto of the American Women’s Association is “all women, all walks of life, all nationalities,” which is absolutely true for the 750 or so members, with over 40 different nationalities, of this special sisterhood.

Additionally, our Mission Statement states: “The

Debra Kearl Minnock

American Women’s Association of Singapore

FAQ’s/Important Information

15 Scotts Road #03-01 Singapore 228218

• The AWA welcomes all nationalities, not just Americans.

General Manager: Sarah Cockerill Main: 6734-4895 Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm Friday 9:30 am to 12:00 pm

• 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

www.awasingapore.org

AWA Misson 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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AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

www.awasingapore.org

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Letter From the Editor a magazine of firsts

The magazine you’re holding involves a lot of firsts. It’s the first Annual Issue, it’s the debut of a brand-new name and it also has a different layout. So some explanations are in order.

First, the AWA board decided our magazine should go digital. All of the issues will be Tori Nelson available online with one issue Editor printed annually in September, to be more environmentallyfriendly and revenue-conscious. We also wanted to take the opportunity to change the name of the magazine, to something simpler and easier to understand.

As for the layout, instead of promoting specific activities from the last month or coming up in the next month, this annual issue highlights all of our wonderful groups, which are really the heart and soul of the AWA. There so many things to do, you could stay busy every day of the week! As you will see on the following pages, no matter what your

interests or talent, there is an AWA group for just about everyone. And not only is it a great way to improve existing skills or try a new hobby, it’s also a marvelous way to meet new friends and get the most out of your time here in Singapore.

You’ll find descriptions of our major AWA events held throughout the year, from the Fashion Show to the Holiday Lunch to Night at the Races and more.

There’s an excellent summary of the 85-year history of the AWA, along with opportunities to volunteer both within the organization and out in the community.

We still have our terrific columns written by AWA members, including a three-day itinerary to explore Singapore, how to eat and drink like a local, top 10 family fun adventures, and most importantly how to settle in and deal with the inevitable emotional ups and downs of being an expat.

We hope you enjoy this special debut Annual Issue as much as our team enjoyed putting it all together.

Tori Nelson AWA Magazine Editor

Please note most photos in this issue were taken before social distancing rules went into effect

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BoutiquesSingapore

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

www.awasingapore.org

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A WA's History in Singapore 85 years on the red dot

Written by Meg Sine The American Women’s Association’s long and celebrated history goes back 85 years, to when Singapore was part of the British Empire, Amelia Earhart and Mickey Mouse were top celebrities, and a Raffles Hotel renovation had just added its beautiful and iconic extended front veranda.

Early Years In 1935, the American Women’s Auxiliary (AWA) was created as part of a businessmen’s club called the American Association of Singapore (AAS). This women’s auxiliary was “to have their own officers and committees, but to work in close cooperation with the officers of the men’s AAS.” Singapore at the time was like a tropical soup, combining a multicultural Asian population with colonial British society. American expatriates lived in palatial homes commonly staffed by six to eight servants whose household duties were strictly prescribed along racial lines. The minutes of an early AWA meeting collected a litany of complaints about “mold and mildew, ancient plumbing, bugs, snakes and chickens and cows blocking traffic.”

Happily, the AWA provided an important social network to help members adapt to a new lifestyle and unfamiliar cultural setting. The AWA’s purpose, as stated in its initial bylaws, was “to unite its members for promoting fellowship, furthering cultural interests and participating in the community activities of Singapore.”

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Post-War Years In the wake of the disruption and displacement of WWII, the AWA regrouped by organizing rummage sales to sell goods needed by a war-torn society.

According to AWA member Martha Smith,

“We sold wired bras as seines (wire nets) to be used by Malay fishermen, toothbrushes for scrubbing vegetables, cosmetics and even costume jewelry.

Zippers were priceless and many a dress was bought just for the zipper.”

As an organization, the AWA began a long tradition of community service and fundraising activities for local welfare organizations, primarily the Children’s Aid Society. With the advent of the post-war baby

AWA's Yuletide Bazaar in early 1970's

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

boom, the women of the AWA were increasingly concerned about their children’s education. Singapore American School (SAS) opened in 1956 with AWA members effectively serving as the first PTA. AWA activities centered around the popular pastimes of mahjong, golf, tennis and bridge. In the early years, AWA members also helped organize the three American holiday traditions begun by the men of AAS: the George Washington Ball, the Fourth of July Picnic and a baseball picnic held in November (later replaced by a Thanksgiving Day Dinner).

By 1955, AWA funded about 30 well-vetted charities through income generated by a fashion show, Yuletide bazaar, rummage sales and lending library fees.

Singapore Independence By the mid 1960s, the 245 AWA members began paying membership dues of $10.00. To promote fellowship and help welcome newcomers, the AWA expanded its roster of activities to include knitting, bowling, Malay lessons, gourmet cooking, social dancing and a literacy group. Hospitality to newcomers, always a main focus, was expanded to include meeting with members of other women’s organizations.

In the 1970s, the AWA was finding the American community had become much larger, with a diversity of options in schooling, housing and social

AWA Fashion Show, March 1988

of AAS in 1981, changing its focus from being allied with a community organization to one more suited to the needs of women-- especially in welcoming newcomers to Singapore.

For the 50th year anniversary of AWA in 1985, Bamboo Telegraph (now AWA Magazine) was first published as an informative monthly resource for members.

The glossy magazine featured advertisements and information about community service and volunteer work, sporting and hobby groups, foreign and local tours and even the home phone numbers of the executive board and committee chairpersons.

By the mid 1990s, with nearly 2,400 members, AWA revenues had grown to exceed SG $1 million for the first time. The days of baking cakes and rummage sales had passed, but the AWA tradition of working together as volunteers continued year after year.

Y2K Years Since the turn of the 21st century, the AWA sisterhood has remained focused on welcoming newcomers, sharing talents and resources, and engaging in diverse activities. Milestone occasions in the 2000s include the first Home Tour (2000), the AWA website (2005), the Hands Across the Table cookbook (2006), the first Holiday Lights Tour and Spring Fashion Show (2008), and the Thong Teck Building office (2017).

AWA's International Woman of the Year ceremony, 2006

activities. Expat life in newly independent Singapore benefited from airline and telephone deregulation (cheaper flights and telephone calls) and an increase in imported goods and services.

Major Organizational Change Recognizing these changes in the community, the American Women’s Association became independent www.awasingapore.org

Joining the American Women’s Association is not just for newcomers. Just like the brave and pioneering charter members of the AWA 85 years ago, the idea remains to make friends, volunteer, and join activities.

Do so and your life in Singapore will be immeasurably richer. For more information, visit awasingapore.org.

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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A WA Social Groups

There's an endless array of social gatherings

AWA has 12 different social groups that provide a great way to meet others while enjoying tasty food, playing a game or having a fascinating discussion about a new book. Below are the descriptions of all of our social groups and how to find more information about joining them.

Drop-In Drinks – If you are interested in socializing with other members in the evening, then join us for a drink (or two) at one of our Drop-In Drinks held regularly throughout the year. barnight@awasingapore.org DISH - Fancy being a lady who lunches? Love trying the latest restaurants? Self-identify as a foodie? Then AWA DISH is for you! DISH is our very popular monthly social luncheon and a great way to socialize while trying out some of the best restaurants around town. dish@awasingapore.org High Tea - Pinkies up, ladies! Join us monthly for an elegant afternoon with friends over lavish tea and delicious treats at one of the many of the luxurious hotels around town. hightea@awasingapore.org Find out more about Drop-In Coffee and Drop-In Drinks on the AWA website.

Members enjoying high tea

For DISH and High Teas visit the AWA calendar for more details! Hurry as these two events fill up fast!

Do you like to socialize over food and drink?

Do you like to play games?

Drop-In Coffee – If you’re looking for a gateway into the AWA, Drop-In Coffee is a great place to start, whether you are a prospective, new or seasoned member. We meet every week and look forward to having you join us for a coffee and a chat. coffee@ awasingapore.org

Mahjong - Looking to embrace your inner Crazy Rich Asian? Our AWA Mahjong group is very popular with both daytime and evening play. And if you don’t know a Crazy Chow from the Three Great Scholars, then give one of our Mahjong Learn to Play Lessons offered throughout the year a try. You won’t want to miss AWA Mahjong’s annual holiday and end of season parties. Be sure to join the AWA Mahjong Facebook page to stay up to date! mahjong@ awasingapore.org Bridge - AWA Bridge is the friendliest bridge group in Singapore, and their enthusiasm for the game is contagious. The Bridge group plays Basic Standard American bidding (SAYC) and offers duplicate and couples bridge games. duplicatebridge@awasingapore.org or couplesbridge@awasingapore.org Trivia - Do you have an ear for identifying songs when they’re played backwards? Do you enjoy solving riddles? Do you know movies, television, and actors?

Or do you just like to socialize? If you answered yes to any of these, then AWA Trivia is for you! AWA Trivia is very active and plays in the evenings. trivia@ awasingapore.org

DISH outings are very popular

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AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

A fun social game of Mahjong

AWA members gather for social bridge

Bunco - Looking for an easy game with no skill involved? AWA Bunco is a simple dice game that is all about the luck of the roll that is mostly a fun excuse to get together, meet new people, see old friends, and enjoy some adult beverages. bunco@ awasingapore.org

on the latest movie outings. See you at the movies! movielunch@awasingapore.org

Do you like to discuss fun topics?

Playgroups - AWA Playgroups is an amazing “mommy and me� group that is a great way to connect with other parents in Singapore. If you have a child under the age of 3, be sure to check out one of our weekly meet-ups to enjoy some adult conversation while watching your little ones play and make friends.

Join the AWA Playgroups Facebook page for more information. playgroups@awasingapore.org

Book Groups - If you love to read and want to meet some new friends, join one of our AWA Book Groups.

Our Book Groups meet monthly, and we have groups that meet in the morning, afternoon and evening to

Beauty & Fashion - Our Beauty and Fashion group curates amazing events and workshops throughout the year tailored to the latest trends, beauty, style and fashion. Some of our events this past year

accommodate all types of schedules. Find a group for you and register on the AWA Book Groups page. bookgroups@awasingapore.org

included Parisian Style, Make Up Masterclass and lots of shopping events with local designers. Look out for one of their upcoming events on the AWA Calendar. beautyfashion@awasingapore.org

Sign up for Mahjong, Bridge, Trivia and Bunco on the AWA calendar.

Playgroup moms and their little ones

Movie Lunch - Our Movie Lunch group meets monthly to catch a film followed by a casual lunch to socialize and discuss the flick. Join our Movie Lunch Mailing List on the Movie Lunch page to get updates www.awasingapore.org

For more information please contact us at social@awasingapore.org

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A WA Special Interest Groups learn a new skill or improve existing talents

There are twelve different groups that fall into the special interest category, each offering a chance to learn something new. Eleven are listed on these pages. More information on Local Tours can be found on pages 18-19.

Cultural Cooking Class at the Social Kitchen

After Ni Hao is a small but fun group of ladies who meet Thursday mornings to practice speaking Mandarin. This weekly meeting gives the learners a platform to hone their conversational skills in the language. There are two native speakers to offer guidance, one from Beijing and one Singaporean. afternihao@awasingapore.org Christian Connection starts a new Soaring LifeCoaching group every year. We work to understand everyone’s uniqueness and hear one another’s stories. Often, lifelong friendships develop. Open to women of any faith (or none). christianconnect@awasingapore.org

strangers, but by the time we sit down to eat, we are all great friends. cooking@awasingapore.org Listen Ladies is a support group for our members who may need a boost to get through the adjustments to living in Singapore. We communicate mainly through a WhatsApp group, where we share concerns, issues and also uplifting memes and photos. You can message 24/7 from anywhere you are in the world.

We host a weekly Zoom call and also will have online

Creative Hands members quilt, crochet, knit, embroider, crossstitch, bead, and so on. We meet, chat and work on our projects on 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays from 10am to 2pm in small groups at members’ homes. We Zoom on 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 10-11 and sometimes meet afterward for specialized skill building or focused work. crafters@awasingapore.org Cultural Cooking: Something magical happens when a bunch of ladies get together to cook.

The camaraderie, the laughter, the friendships that form over a chopping board and a bubbling pot are lasting. We may start off as -- 10 --

One of many AWA workshops- this one on creativity

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

seminar events, as well as some upcoming in-person meetups. listenladies@awasingapore.org

Peranakan designers, and arranged Indian dance workshops. artsandculture@awasingapore.org

AWA Photography Group is suitable for enthusiasts of all levels, whether using a mobile phone or a DSLR camera. Our monthly events include free photo walks to places of interest in Singapore, workshops

Cancer Support Group typically meets on the third week of the month with a focus on mutual support and information sharing. cancersupport@ awasingapore.org

Christian Connection enjoying a meal out

and visits to photography exhibitions. It’s a great opportunity to practice your photography, meet new friends, learn some new skills and discover more of Singapore. photography@awasingapore.org AWA Workshops are held each month and cover a wide variety of topics, based on the interest of our members. They often include an intensive activity for two hours, led by a speaker or trainer who is considered an expert in their field. These interactive sessions with fun-filled activities are definitely worth attending with friends. workshops@awasingapore.org Writers’ Group meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Writers share their work and receive constructive and supportive feedback, and many an interesting and enriching discussion ensues.

Our members write in a wide variety of genres from memoirs to short stories, from novels to poetry, essays and articles for blogs and magazines. All levels of writing knowledge and experience are welcome. writers@awasingapore.org International Choir has historically held rehearsals every Wednesday morning for two hours, and put on concerts in December and May. Additionally, the choir performs in senior centers for small, shut-in audiences. We sing traditional songs and pop songs in English, Chinese, Japanese and Malay. intlchoir@ awasingapore.org Arts & Culture organizes monthly talks and events in Singapore that focus on Asian arts and culture.

We’ve had private tours at local museums, met

www.awasingapore.org

Photography group in the Flower Dome

Writers' Group on a Zoom call

For more information please contact us at specialinterest@ awasingapore.org -- 11 --

A WA Sports Groups a fun variety of sports for all levels

AWA has six different athletic groups that welcome members of all fitness levels and skill sets. Want to learn a new sport? Or improve on one you already do well? This is a great way to get a good workout and meet new friends at the same time.

AWA Walking With Women Walking With Women is a friendly group who love to walk (and talk) their way around Singapore.

Walks are arranged each Monday and Wednesday

as we’ve talked along the way. Come and explore Singapore with us. We look forward to walking with you! Contact us at walking@awasingapore.org to get started.

AWA walkers checking out one of the fun statues in Telok Ayer

morning and offer two formats to suit your timeframe.

Mondays are our longer walks (8-10km). These take about two hours, starting at 8:30am to beat the heat. Wednesdays are our shorter, one-hour walks starting at 9:00am. There’s no better way to get to know Singapore’s beauty, history, and culture than to walk it, and many of us have forged great friendships

AWA Hiking The AWA Hiking group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at MacRitchie Reservoir (Lornie Rd Car Park) Mushroom Cafe at 8:30 am.

This 11.5 km hike takes roughly 2 - 2.5 hours and is a medium/advanced fitness hike. We keep a fast pace so please have appropriate fitness gear such as old trainers or hiking boots suited to the outdoors.

Its lots of fun and always a good workout. Other hikes of 10-12 km are being planned for this year and will be announced through our group’s What’sApp Chat. To be added to the chat, please email hiking@awasingapore.org AWA Running

A rare shot of AWA Runners standing still!

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The AWA Running Group caters to all types of runners.

Every Tuesday morning, we do a 5K run in the Botanic Gardens. On Thursdays and Saturdays we meet at different parks or locations throughout the Red Dot to go for a longer run. Every outing is followed by a visit to a local coffee house where runners forge AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

great friendships and share running anecdotes. And twice a year we have the famous “Run-cations,” which are four-day trips to neighboring countries where we participate in a run and also take time to tour the city. If you have any questions, you can contact us at running@awasingapore.org AWA Tennis AWA Tennis welcomes women of all tennis abilities and nationalities to a friendly, fun-filled community that prioritizes good sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect. We offer beginner and intermediate clinics, team tennis opportunities, double match play and social tennis events. Join us for a Girls Night Out on the courts or compete in an AWA Tennis tournament. The main seasons run from September through November, and from February through April. Team Tennis is available during the off-season from November through early February. For most social and competitive tennis, you will need an AWA Tennis Assessment before you begin. Contact us at tennischair@awasingapore.org to get started.

AWA tennis games

Golfers on an early Easter outing

AWA Golf

AWA Health and Fitness

If you are new to the sport or looking to learn, contact us for details on a 9-hole golf program. If you’re an avid player, the AWA 18-Hole Golf group is perfect for you with a friendly round every week on regulation courses in Singapore. All AWA 18Hole Golf members must possess a valid USGA, SGA, or other recognized handicap card to play in Singapore. Weekly events, prizes, and other group golf activities are offered throughout the year. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact us at 18holegolf@awasingapore.org

Throughout the year, AWA offers many great fitness events and informative seminars on a variety of topics. This has included yoga, Pilates, aqua-spin and more. Join us for a lot of fun while getting fit and learning something new! For more information, please email fitness@awasingapore.org.

www.awasingapore.org

For more information please contact us at sports@awasingapore.org

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Volunteering with A WA how to help out and make friends

Written by Mel Rice Why Volunteer?

Volunteering with the AWA is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to Singapore. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, to community resources and to activities that are both fun and fulfilling. It truly can be a rewarding experience.

Volunteering at the AWA As a volunteer-run organization, the AWA couldn’t function without members who generously give their time. They create fun activities and events for us all to enjoy, work in the office, host book groups, lead walks/runs, teach mahjong, oversee our social media channels, produce the AWA Magazine, and serve on the AWA Board.

Handing out prizes at the AWA Home Tour

choose from a variety of schedules and types of volunteer options.

How to Volunteer If you have been wondering how to get more involved, meet like-minded people or give back, I highly encourage you to volunteer with the AWA! We would love to have you join us at one of our Drop-in Coffees. We also encourage you to visit our website, www.awasingapore.org, and learn more about the upcoming opportunities we have to offer, or check us out on our social media channels -- our AWA Facebook Page and/or AWA Instagram.

“Looking at everything that AWA has to offer throughout the year, I am constantly in awe of how many women volunteer their time and put forth such a tremendous effort to make the AWA what it is. Their ideas and desire to give back to the community are what make the AWA truly special.” ---AWA Member

Behind the scenes at the AWA Fashion Show

Each year, our calendar is filled with at least six major events and over 30 different ongoing activities and outings. Each of these events is organized by a vast team of volunteers. It may come as no surprise that some of these ladies wear multiple hats. They may lead a walk and model in the Fashion Show, they might teach mahjong and lead a local tour, or they could be a member of the Board and oversee a community service organization.

Giving back to the community here in Singapore is something that our members really cherish. The AWA works closely with several organizations,* and we’ve designed our programs so that members can -- 14 --

“The amount of time, talent and dedication that the AWA volunteers devote to providing for the membership and the community of Singapore is remarkable. Truly a unique experience that will lead to lifelong friendships and lifelong memories.” --AWA Member As an organization, the AWA continues to focus on providing a wealth of volunteer opportunities, ranging from social, sports, special interest, community service to our major events. Whether you are interested in learning a new skill or continuing to use a well-honed talent, the AWA has a place for you.

We hope you will join us! *For further information regarding our Community Service activities and our featured organizations, please see page 16-17.

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www.awasingapore.org

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Community Service

awa members contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year Over the years, AWA’s Community Service has supported a variety of charity organizations in Singapore. We’ve designed programs to allow our members to choose from a number of different schedules and volunteer options. Currently we are actively involved in the following four organizations as a way to help the local community.

Locations are at the National University Hospital and the Institute of Mental Health.

You can choose a six hour shift of either 9am-3pm or 3pm-9pm. The minimum commitment is three months and two shifts per month. For training there is an orientation tour and one or two job shadowing shifts.

For more information please contact rmhc@awasingapore.org

Ronald McDonald at RMHC

The Ronald McDonald House Charity Singapore (RMHC) is looking for volunteers to support day-today administration duties. Volunteer responsibilities include assisting in the general operation of the House or Family Room by providing comfort and support to the families, helping with various daily and weekly chores, and registering families for fingerprint access that will allow them to use the House and Family Room while their children are being treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Willing Hearts operates a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks and distributes over 6,500 meals to needy families every single day of the year. From chopping vegetables, marinating chicken thighs, making dumplings, packing meals, washing dishes and loading delivery trucks, no two volunteering sessions are ever the same. You never know what roles you might be assigned, and the menu always changes.

AWA volunteers go once per month, usually Tuesday or Thursday on the 4th week of each month for the afternoon shift (12pm to 3pm) Willing Hearts is located at 11 Jalan Ubi Block 6, #0151 Kembangan – Chai Chee Community Hub, 409074 For more information please contact willinghearts@awasingapore.org

RMHC volunteers and staff with the Happy Wheels Cart

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Helping out with food preparation at Willing Hearts

kidsREAD is a program created to promote a love of reading and cultivate good reading habits among young Singaporeans between the ages of 4 and 8, regardless of race or religion. All kidsREAD volunteers complete one training session, during which they

Food From the Heart is a food distribution charity that provides assistance to Singaporeans with food insecurity by delivering additional food through different programs. The AWA is involved with the Food Goodie Bag program, which works with thirty

kidsREAD volunteer

Producing a pile of Food Goodie Bags at Food from the Heart

learn to “bring books to life.” Club sessions consist of a volunteer reading aloud to the group, followed by educational activities specifically tailored to that particular story. The children thoroughly enjoy the stories and activities. They are also offered gifts like bookbags, t-shirts, and other kidsREAD-themed items, that are provided during the club sessions. It’s entertaining for the volunteers too!

neighborhood schools to help needy students and their families defray living expenses by providing basic necessities such as rice, canned food, oil, biscuits, etc. Fifty students from each designated school are supported each year, and records indicate that their school attendance improves as a result of this program.

AWA volunteers currently support kidsREAD clubs at Greenridge, North View and Ang Mo Kio primary schools.

AWA packs the Goodie Bags on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the FFTH warehouse. The time for each shift is 9:30am – 12:30pm

Club sessions last 1 to 1 ½ hours with one 3 ½ hour training session at the National Library.

For more information please contact ffth@awasingapore.org

For more information please contact kidsread@awasingapore.org

www.awasingapore.org

For any general questions about Community Service with AWA, please email commservice@awasingapore.org

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Local Tours

getting to know singapore in small groups There’s a lot to explore in Singapore, often much more than first meets the eye. With tours that range from “must-see” sights to hidden gems, AWA Local Tours offer members a wide array of opportunities to explore and learn more about Singapore’s culture, customs, history and local way of life.

Experienced Guides, Exciting Tours Each AWA local tour is led by a professional guide with deep knowledge about, and love for, Singapore.

Our guides are excited to share their passion for the Red Dot with others, and their excitement carries over into each tour they lead. Even a small sampling of our recent tours demonstrates the range of experiences AWA Local Tours has to offer: Chinatown New Year Walk takes you through Singapore’s Chinatown during one of the most

Enjoy the beauty of Chinatown

exciting times of year, as your tour guide explains some of the traditions and beliefs of Chinese New Year. The tour includes a visit to Duxton Plain Park, which follows part of the old Singapore-Kranji -- 18 --

Museum Tour from 2014

Railway, as well as a hidden Chinese restaurant wellknown to locals.

You may have had the good fortune to witness the Thaipusam procession, but how much do you know about the ceremony? Understanding Thaipusam takes you inside the Hindu temples where kavadis are hooked and skewered to the bodies of devotees and, at the end, where they are removed. You’ll be there to see it all and, more important, you’ll gain insight into the meaning behind it.

AWA tour of the Supreme Court Building

Our tour of the Singapore Judicial System leads you on an exclusive tour of Singapore’s past and present Supreme Courts, as you learn about the Singapore judicial system and the architecture of its courthouses.

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Holiday Shopping with a Heritage Twist brings you to the “in” places for unique, only-in-Singapore holiday shopping.

On this tour, you’ll learn about Singapore’s trendy neighborhood of Tiong Bahru, finishing up at the popular Tiong Bahru Food Centre.

Our Little India Walk for Deepavali offers participants the opportunity to learn details about the history and culture of Little India and Singapore’s Indian population, while experiencing the sights and sounds of Deepavali.

During our Markets of Singapore tour, participants get a close-up look at three of Singapore’s most popular wet markets, where they can shop with the locals for fresh fruits, vegetables and meats at reasonable prices.

Have you wondered about the high rises where 85% of Singaporeans live? Our HDB Tour of high-rise residential buildings built by Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) explores the housing and urban development planning process that has guided Singapore since Independence. Looking farther back into Singapore’s history, our Black & White Houses tour showcases some of the classic houses built during colonial times.

Neighborhood Tour from 2018

Behind the Scenes: Our Local Tours Leaders In addition to our professional guides, we are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated and knowledgeable group of AWA members who volunteer to work as AWA Local Tour Leaders. The Tour Leader’s primary responsibility is to serve as the coordinator between tour attendees and the professional tour guide. The Tour Leader is the AWA point of contact on each tour, ensuring that participants have all the information they need beforehand, then assisting the guide as needed during the tour.

We welcome any interested member to volunteer as a Tour Leader.

Whether you’re a natural “mother hen” or born to be a “bus aunty,” volunteering as an AWA Local www.awasingapore.org

Markets of Singapore tour

Tour Leader is a great way to dig even more deeply into our tour offerings, meet a wide range of AWA members and be led through Singapore by an expert, licensed local guide. For the newcomer to Singapore as much as the old pro, there’s always a lot to learn, do and see (and taste).

For Local Tour Leader Becca Meurer, volunteering with AWA Local Tours has provided the opportunity to learn about kopi and teh tarik one day, follow the

A fan favorite: Tour of Singapore's black and white houses

glam route of Crazy Rich Asians another day, and learn about great local spots in Tanjong Pagar on yet another day. She says, “I always come away from the tours with a fascinating new tidbit to share with friends and family, and a new appreciation for the diversity of this city that, before arriving, I might have thought was very sterile and boring. I joined the Local Tours committee to help share that with others!” We’d love to have you join us as well.

Get Involved!

You, too, can put on your walking shoes, grab your water bottle, and get ready to experience something special. Sign up just to take a local tour, or to become a Tour Leader. There’s a lot of Singapore to discover with AWA Local Tours. localtours@awasingapore.org -- 19 --

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AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

THE NEW FACE OF 45 The big 45 doesn’t look like it used to. It meant short, neat hair, sensible clothes and the onset of middle aged spread.

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The rise of Botox, Dermal Fillers, and other medical aesthetic treatments has made looking more youthful easier. This is why many women in their mid-40s now look refreshed, well rested, and younger.

Aging is a fact of life. Looking your Age is not.

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9 S cotts Ro ad #08-07 | Scotts Medi ca l Ce n te r 6 80 1 4000 | hel lo@cuti sl as ercl i ni cs .c om | www. cut isl ase rc lin ic s.c om www.awasingapore.org

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Exploring Singapore observations of an expat in singapore

Written by

Amanda Jaffe

A Three-Day Itinerary for The Red Dot Whether you’re new to Singapore or hosting visitors, you need a three-day itinerary that features the “real” Singapore. This is that itinerary – no Sentosa, no Long Bar. This itinerary jumps around, but Singapore’s compact, and transportation is inexpensive. It also doesn’t suggest restaurants. Go to your favorite or try anyplace that looks good – it will be, because this is Singapore and that’s part of the fun.

“Doing” Singapore in three days means being on the move, but Singapore gets hot and visitors often arrive jetlagged. Be sure to keep hydrated as you explore.

Bring a water bottle for each of your guests and for yourself. I’ve reserved afternoons for air-conditioned activities, but you might want to replace at least one Afternoon

Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay

Visit two of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples – Thian Hock Keng and Yueh Hai Ching – in the vicinity of Telok Ayer. Then head to Singapore’s National Museum for 700 years of history or to the climatecontrolled Flower and Cloud Domes at Gardens by the Bay. Save the outdoor gardens for an evening visit.

Late Afternoon/Evening Starting across from Clarke Quay, walk the right bank of the Singapore River toward Marina Bay. River cruises are an option, but strolling allows you to savor the public art and bridges. Cross the lovely Cavenagh Bridge (near the Fullerton Hotel) to Empress Place and view some of Singapore’s best Clarke Quay colonial-era buildings. Cross back over Cavenagh with a nap or pool time. I’ve also suggested activities Bridge and continue to Merlion Park. Pay your for specific times of day, but this itinerary is modular -respects to the Merlion, then stroll around Marina trade one morning, afternoon or evening for another.

Bay as the sun goes down and the lights come up.

Finally, please check hours and entry requirements MBS has a great light show, but Marina Bay’s skyline before you set out – hours and openings can is the real deal. Dinner options abound. change, and change is a constant here!

If you have energy remaining, Theatres on the Bay DAY 1 often runs free performances, from Chinese opera to Malay rock to Thai dance. Weekends seem to offer Morning the most options.

Begin in Tiong Bahru. Tiong Bahru Market is an excellent introduction to Singapore wet markets DAY 2 and includes a fantastic food center upstairs. Post- Morning Market, download the National Heritage Board’s Start at Pinnacle@Duxton for amazing panoramic guide and follow the Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail views from the 50th floor skybridge. Only 200 visitors past all this area has to offer, including art-deco are allowed each day. Each visitor needs a CEPAS architecture, a bird corner and the Monkey God card (such as EZ-Link). Purchase your entry (cash temple. Coffee, bakeries, and bookstores are your only) at the Management Office (Block 1G) and use bonus. Start before 10 am to see the wet market at your card to enter. its liveliest.

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AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

Next, head to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s City Gallery to appreciate the planning behind Singapore living. An amazing 3-D map of Central Singapore allows visitors to spot places they’ve been.

Using URA’s side exit on Kayadanallur Street, cross to the Maxwell Food Center, a great refueling stop. Then

DAY 3 Morning Visit the Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) early to beat the heat. Press on to Orchard Road for the

Singapore Botanic Gardens

hit Chinatown’s multicultural highlights – Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Jamae Mosque. Shop around Pagoda Street for souvenirs.

epitome of Singapore’s mall scene. If you’re hungry, some of the most fun food options in Singapore malls reside at basement level.

Afternoon Spend the early afternoon exploring National Gallery Singapore. Come for its Southeast Asian art, but don’t miss its architecture, especially its atrium and roof garden. Outside the Gallery, explore the Padang, with the Cricket and Recreation Clubs at either end and Esplanade Park across the way.

Late Afternoon/Evening Visit Little India. Serangoon Road is Little India’s spine, but its side streets are fascinating. Head down pedestrianized Campbell Lane to the Indian Heritage Center with its wonderful exhibits, many donated by the community. Walk up Serangoon, absorb the sights and admire Sri Veeramakaliamman and Sri Perumal Hindu Temples. Check out Mustafa, Singapore’s 24-hour “everything store.”

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown

Afternoon Visit the incredible Asian Civilisations Museum to explore Asian cultures and their Singapore connections.

Late Afternoon/Evening The area around Joo Chiat and East Coast Roads offers shops, heritage shophouses and casual dining in Singapore’s Peranakan heart. It’s somewhat outside the city center but within easy reach. With an early-ish dinner, you still can visit Gardens by the Bay for an evening stroll through the outdoor gardens (lit until 11pm) and light show. www.awasingapore.org

Head next to Kampong Glam. This was a sultanate, and the Malay Heritage Centre, open until 6pm, occupies the former Sultan’s palace. Walk the streets and shop (Arab Street for textiles, Haji Lane for cool stuff). After dinner, photograph Sultan Mosque, magically lit at the top of Bussorah Street.

In addition to exploring Singapore for the AWA Magazine, Amanda Jaffe writes about her travel adventures on her blog, Rambling Llama

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Family Fun Adventures finding Cool things to do with kids

Written by and Photography by

Christi Elflein

Top 10 Kid-Approved Adventures in Singapore Despite Singapore being known as a hub for international business, banking and fine art, there are plenty of fun activities for kids to do on the Little Red Dot. Here are my family’s top ten recommendations. #1 The Singapore Zoo. Take a walk on the wild side and visit one of the best zoos in the world! Become a “Friend of Wildlife,” aka an annual passholder.

You can visit the zoo again and again and it never gets old. An annual pass also gives you access to Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and River Safari, all kidapproved fun spots! Tip: Pre-book animal feedings for Instagram-worthy photos. #2 The Night Safari. Although mentioned above, the Night Safari deserves its own spot in the top 10.

The world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, it has won Best Attraction from the Singapore Tourism Board 13 times. It’s exciting to see wildlife come alive at night!

Phebe Elflein feeds Marco the giraffe at the Singapore Zoo

#4 Gardens by the Bay. Climb the awe inspiring, mistfilled Cloud Mountain. Splash around the Children’s Garden. Brave the Skywalk between the super cool Supertrees. Then stay around after dark to enjoy Garden Rhapsody, where the Supertrees light up and dance to music. Tip: Bring a towel and a sweater.

The kids will get wet in the Children’s Garden, and you will be chilly in the domes.

Brynn Suttles, Maren Suttles and Phebe Elflein pose with the Penguins of Madagascar at Universal Studios

#3 Sentosa Staycay. Choose from several topnotch resorts and visit at least one of Resort World’s signature attractions: Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the S.E.A. Aquarium. My kids’ favorite Sentosa activity is riding the luge.

Recommended add-on: Make the journey there part of the fun by taking the Singapore Cable Car. The view is spectacular!

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#5 Marina Bay Roll. Rent a bike or bring your scooters and roll around Marina Bay. You can make a complete three-kilometer circuit past the Merlion, over the Esplanade Bridge, through the Float at Marina Bay, across the Helix Bridge, alongside Marina Bay Sands and the Fullerton Bay Hotel, until you’re back at the Merlion. There are lots of great pitstops along this route. Recommended add-on: Dine at the Makansutra Gluttons Bay Hawker Centre.

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

Snorkeling at Sentosa

#6 Art Science Museum. One of the fun pitstops along the Marina Bay Roll described above is this museum inside the iconic lotus flower building. Touted as the place “where art meets science,” the permanent exhibit is “Future World.” (Think lots of lights and interactive displays.) Recommended add-ons: Milk shakes at Black Tap and Spectra, Marina Bay Sand's light and water show. #7 East Coast Park. Picnic! Bike! Scooter! Skateboard!

Wakeboard! Or just relax and enjoy the view! There is something for everyone at East Coast Park, a nearly nine-kilometer linear park along Singapore’s southeastern coast. #8 Singapore Botanic Gardens. Not only is this UNESCO World Heritage Site a favorite place for adults, but kids love it too. There are waterfalls, prehistoric trees and a Walk for Giants to explore. But hands down, kids will tell you their favorite spot is the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Recommended add-on: Stay and eat at the Gardens. There are a lot of options with great food set amongst majestic palms and tranquil fountains.

TreeTop Walk

#9 TreeTop Walk. There are several hikes at MacRitchie Reservoir. TreeTop Walk is our favorite!

Monkeys enjoy the hike alongside you until you reach the freestanding suspension bridge that connects the two highest points in the park. At 25 meters above the forest floor, you are in the tree canopy and can see for miles. If you enter at Venus Drive, the round-trip hike is about seven kilometers. #10 Pulau Ubin. Escape to the Singapore of yesteryear by taking a bumboat to Pulau Ubin. You can spend the day biking the island, exploring the Chek Jawa Wetlands, and drinking from coconuts on the seashore.

Please note the status of many of these attractions is subject to government guidelines. Check their websites before going for the most current information.

Waterfall at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

www.awasingapore.org

Christi is an urban planner for an architecture firm in Florida. She moved to Singapore and joined AWA in 2019 and is loving exploring her new city with her husband and two kids.

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The Fork and Chopstick

hIGHLIGHTING OFF THE BEATEN PATH, HERITAGE OR JUST PLAIN FUN CHOMPING GROUNDS Written by

Start Your Day the Singaporean Way

Jenni & Eric Lee

In the US, we frequently enjoy breakfast at a local diner with bottomless coffee, eggs over easy, pancakes, corned beef hash, and bacon. Here, you can try the Singapore equivalent of the diner at a hawker centre or food court near you, the kopitiam​.​

Order kopi which automatically comes with sweet condensed milk. Our preference is black coffee, or kopi-o​ kosong​; but sometimes we feel like adding evaporated milk, so kopi-c-kosong​it is. (C means evaporated milk and kosong means empty, as in, no sugar.) If you want it iced, just add peng​ ​to the end of your order. There’s a whole language

Typical kopitiam breakfast with toast, eggs and coffee

Poster explaining coffee flavors provided by Fun Toast

The kopitiam equivalent of the diner pancake special might be the classic toast set ($4-6 for a drink, toast and eggs), which combines the great food trinity of salty, sweet and fat, with caffeine -

of weaker coffee, less sugar, much less sugar, etc., but we suggest you befriend one coffee to start.

The same terminology variations apply to tea, or teh.

At least, you have no tall, grande, or venti to​worry about in the kopitiam.​ ​ Now for toast: the topping choices may include peanut butter, butter and sugar, cheese with ham... but please try the traditional kaya and butter. Kaya?

If Nutella had a Singaporean cousin, then perhaps Kaya would be that kin. It’s made from coconut milk simmered slowly with egg, sugar and pandan leaf, and then reduced to a spreadable jam/ custard consistency. Kaya toast is slathered with a thick layer of kaya with frozen butter, sandwiched between two pieces of perfectly toasted bread. It’s crunchy, sweet, coconutty and very rich.

As for the eggs, these soft-boiled versions may be a bit of a challenge for some and an acquired taste.

Whites are barely set and yolks are runny, with the intention that these eggs are for dipping. Season the eggs with white pepper and soy sauce. Sip coffee. Dip toast in egg. Devour. Repeat.

A fresh bowl of laksa

all anyone needs to start their day. Let's start with caffeine, which comes in the form of local coffee or tea. These two beverages are huge subjects on their own, and just as you would in that large international coffee chain from the northwestern United States, you will need to master a new vocabulary here.

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Alternative breakfast options? The range of savory foods is very different from the typical Western diet. Perhaps laksa (spicy curry coconut soup with noodles), chicken curry, or nasi lemak (local fragrant rice with fried chicken, egg, and sambal chili).

Happy Chomping!

Jenni & Eric Lee live to eat and explore local eateries and bars.

Originally from New York, they have lived in Singapore since 2012.

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

Watering Holes fun local places to enjoy a drink

Written by

Silvia Fernandez

The Mystery of Bubble Tea Life is a journey with constant changes and challenges, and I would not want it any other way.

When I arrived in Singapore, I met my beverage challenge: Bubble Tea. I loved how it was presented in the shops--the flavors, the colors, the textures of the drink--even if I thought that each of these aspects would do better on its own than combined with the others. That was my first impression, but fast forward a bit and I decided to uncover the mystery of this drink that I saw all over Singapore.

Bubble Tea is also known as Pearl Milk Tea or Boba Tea in this part of the world. It is said to have originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and landed in Singapore in 1992. This photogenic beverage went on a roller coaster journey in Singapore, with a saturated market by the new millennium, followed by a bubble burst and, more recently, a fantastic comeback that put Bubble Tea back in business.

And it is big business. Thanks to social media, since 2010 it has new life as a fancier version of the original. Welcome back, Bubble Tea! So what exactly is Bubble Tea? It’s essentially a tea with ice that is shaken to form a foam on top, which forms the “bubbles,” to which tapioca balls (“pearls”)

Creamy bubble tea with extra tapioca balls

will learn it eventually). Second, have you ever had a local dessert? Some examples include chendol, cheng tng, grass jelly and green bean soup. What do they all have in common? A liquid base and something to munch or chew while satisfying your craving for something sweet. Third, Bubble Tea can also be an alternative drink that falls somewhere between an affordable local tea and a pricier teashop tea for a quick, sweet midday fix.

Bubble Tea with lemon

are added. You can choose the amount of ice and sugar. There are many varieties with a wide range of flavors. Two of the most popular varieties are Black and Green Pearl Milk Tea. I still wonder why this is such a popular treat here. I may not know the answer, but I have a few guesses.

First, there is a strong tea culture on the Little Red Dot and around the region. Just go to a local hawker center, and you can find many ways to drink your tea: teh, teh-o-kosong, teh-C, etc. (no worries, you www.awasingapore.org

Which shop has the best Bubble Tea in town? This is the same as asking who makes the best chicken rice or chilli crab in Singapore! The answer can divide families and break relationships. At the end of the day, I say try the one that has a queue and don’t limit yourself to the ones around Orchard Road. Expand your horizon to the Bubble Tea shops around your neighborhood. Find your favorite--the one that will make you walk those few extra steps to buy it. Believe me, you will need those extra steps to burn off some calories. Oh! Did I not mention the calories?

Silvia is an eternal expat and global traveller. She's enjoyed exploring Singapore's hidden gems since 2017. Her husband, Mark Dixon, is her enthustiastic collaborator.

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Hawker Centers Explained secrets to the ultimate singaporean dining experience

Written by and photography by Called Singapore’s dining rooms, or perhaps more accurately its eat-in kitchens, hawker centers abound across the island, offering an array of pocket-friendly, authentically local eating options in a simple, down-home atmosphere. Even under government supervision and health and safety inspections, these centers are rustic. They feature cash-only transactions, whirling fans (but no air conditioning), plastic tables and a puzzling way to order, and they brim with choices, fragrances, noise and people. The chaos may send you packing to the closest westernstyle eatery. You’ll get a good meal in the mall too,

Helena A. Cochrane

It seems counterintuitive in this humid climate, but many hawker specialties feature piping hot broth or stew. Soups featuring Beef, Fish or Chicken Hor Fun are a rewarding order. Try Laksa, either Singaporestyle (spicy coconut curry) or Asam (sour tamarind), with chicken or seafood, vegetables and noodles.

Most soups also can be requested “dry,” broth on the side. For stew, try Beef Rendang, seasoned with coconut milk and kaffir lime leaves.

Venturing into Indian fare, you can find many versions of Biryani, a mix of vegetables and, often, mutton or fish served on basmati rice.

Tiong Bahru Food Centre

Chicken Rice with a side of bean sprouts

but you will have missed an authentic and rewarding aspect of Singapore’s food-avid culture.

Sample Satay, skewered meats or prawns, served with spicy peanut sauce, rice cakes, and pickled vegetables known as acar (pronounced achar).

Daunting to the newcomer, hawker centers are crowded at every mealtime, particularly in areas where workers seek a hot lunch or families want to grab dinner. Enter a hawker center and you’ll find that Singaporeans don’t mind eating with strangers, often the only option due to high demand for table space. Find some empty seats, lay down a package of tissues to “chope” (save) a space, and tour the stalls to see which looks appealing. Join the longest queues—they signal the high quality of the stall.

But what to order? At the crossroads of Malay, Chinese, Tamil and Eurasian cuisines, Singapore’s signature dishes reflect great diversity. The abundance of options in hawker centers can be overwhelming. Asking a local could -- no will -- result in dozens of recommendations. Here are some options to begin with.

Hainanese Chicken Rice has made Singapore famous among Anthony Bourdain fans. It’s so simple, yet so tasty, with chicken boiled or roasted in herbs served on a mound of seasoned rice, and a few greens on the side. Don’t neglect the three sauces: sweet soy, chilli, and ginger. In any hawker center, this will be a staple.

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One last Singapore hawker essential is Char Kway Teow, stir-fried broad noodles flavored with sweet soy sauce, bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, sometimes cockles, and fish cakes. They’re best prepared in an extremely hot wok, which gives them a smokiness that is bound to satisfy.

One day, while searching in Chinatown’s Hong Lim Hawker Center for the one stall among 175 that would be right for lunch, I passed one after another whose cooks expertly chopped, rolled, dipped, mixed, stirfried and roasted food for their clients. They had been doing it for hours that day, and would be doing it again the following day. Their dexterity and dedication, and the fragrances and colors and sounds coming from their work, gave order and rhythm to the process. Be sure to sample the fare at any one of these centers to take part in the local culture.

Since moving from Philadelphia to Singapore in 2018, Helena has enjoyed trying new dishes at local hawker centers.

Learning how to handle chopsticks, however, is an ongoing process for her.

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

Extra xxxx

Written by

A BC, Photographs by XYZ

xx

www.awasingapore.org

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Settling Into Life in Singapore tips to make the transition a little easier

If you are new to Singapore, the AWA Magazine staff welcomes you, and offers some hints for getting settled, finding the things you need and meeting people in the community.

Amanda Jaffe: If you are a reader, get a library card.

Expats pay an annual fee, but the availability of both hard copy books, electronic books and audiobooks is incredible and more than pays for itself if you’re a regular user.

Andrea McKenna Brankin: Apps such as CityMapper, GoThere.sg, and SG Map are helpful for getting around town on the MRT, by bus, as well as on foot.

Written by Christin

Gustafson

shops in the HDB blocks near you. They may have just what you’re looking for at half the price.

Gina Vono: When shopping in a department store, know that individual clerks work for a brand, not for the store itself. It is their job to sell that brand, not help you find more options. You'll need to look around on your own as they will not point you in another direction.

Celine Suiter: Get an EZ Link card at an MRT Station.

The card costs about $5 and then you can just top it up when it gets low. You must use it to tap in when you get on a bus or MRT and also tap out when you get off. Pro tip: When you get on a bus in Singapore,

? ????? ?

They give bus arrival times and stops, show how much you have to walk in between train or bus rides and give alternative routes.

Tanya Arler: If you’re using Grab, Gojek or taxis, remember to include an extra 15 minutes in your planning time when it rains.

Jenni Lee: Just about the most important part of settling in a new place is finding your community.

My strategy has always been to join everything in the beginning, then start to pare down to those activities or groups that resonate with me.

Lorraine Graybill: One of the most helpful things I did was to join the AWA Walking Group. It was a great way to get to know my new home, and the advice I received from members on these walks was invaluable.

Emily Oberton: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. It’s amazing how much more water your body needs with the heat and humidity.

Tori Nelson: With the heavy humid climate, it’s imperative to get some kind of dehumidifier so you don’t get mold and mildew. You can get a machine or small disposable containers. But make sure not to put it too close to anything leather; a friend’s lovely leather shoes shrank badly when she did this!

Christin Gustafson: When stores are unfamiliar, it isn’t always obvious where to buy things. Ask other expats where to find the items you need. Also check out -- 30 --

enter through the door by the bus driver and exit through the door at the back of the bus.

Helena A. Cochrane: Even as a foreign resident of Singapore, you are eligible for a Passion Card. This card gives you access to the People’s Association and the discounts, offers, community center courses and programs that it offers. In addition, the card can be used as an EZ-Link card for bus and MRT fare. To apply for your card, bring your Singapore Identification Card to the community center nearest you.

Christi Elflein: If you need to move furniture, Gogo Van and Moovit are helpful. Their apps are easy to use and moving items is reasonably priced.

Meg Sine: Be aware that many stores do not allow returns, only exchanges, and you need to have the receipt.

Silvia Fernandez: Opening hours of shops and businesses in Singapore are later than in other parts of the world. Always check the hours before setting off on an errand.

Christin is a seasoned expat who enjoys learning how others adjust to their adopted hometown. She is a member of the AWA Writers' Group, is a busy mom of two sons and has lived in Singapore since 2018.

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

You're Not Alone... Really coping wtih the ups and downs of being an expat

Adjusting How We See the World The way we see the world determines how we react to things in it, namely change, which all of us have experienced, as we’ve moved from far and wide to live here in Singapore. It’s certainly not easy to change countries, culture, currency and more. But, please know that you’re not alone.

With that, understanding how we use filters to approach our lives -- and learning how we can change them -- can help us adjust and live our best lives, no matter how far from home we are.

In July 2020, AWA sponsored a Zoom Member Talk on the topic of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). The presentation certainly lent perspective on how we choose words, or filters, to describe our experiences.

Presenter Lindley Craig, a longtime AWA member, is a certified NLP Trainer and President of the NLP Association Singapore. Her company provides NLP practitioner training as well as self-development and corporate courses.

Written by

Andrea McKenna Brankin

thing that went wrong. “It rained on Saturday for 30 minutes.” They don’t mean to be argumentative. It’s the unconscious program at work.

If the person notices just the similarities in the coins same country, all coins all have writing and numbers, all are made of metal, etc. - then we say the person sorts primarily through looking at sameness. This type of person agrees a lot (even when they don’t especially want to agree). She will like things to be the same. Change isn’t greeted with enthusiasm for "sameness" types of people.”

If the person observes both similarities and differences in equal measure, they can sort experiences by both categories, says Lindley.

For sameness people, she adds, it helps to notice the things in a new environment that are similar to their old one, including groceries, clothing brands or just a park to walk around. “It’s important to them that they spend time noticing new things that are the Lindley shared with us the "coin test," which can help same as the old. Building routines like those from their us to examine one of the many ways in which our former home is also helpful.” She says development brains are programmed. She explains: “Put three occurs when they allow small changes that stretch different coins on a table and ask the question, them beyond their sameness comfort zone. “It needs ‘What do you notice about the coins?’" Participants to be SLOW though. Abrupt changes cause a lot of have to provide at least five answers to allow her stress for sameness programs,” she says. to know what "program" is unconsciously directing According to Lindley, “For people more likely to their thinking. The simplicity of the question is key notice differences, a move to a foreign country will to the process. She adds, "In making it simple, I will be awesome and they will find joy in how things not trigger one program over another. It is meant to are so different. It will be a fun challenge for them. reveal the program they’re running as they answer However, if they are like me, living on the same small the question." island for more than twenty years, they may go a If the person notices only the differences in the coins bit stir crazy.” They’re more likely to want to move - different shapes, denominations, sizes, numbers, apartments, jobs or even furniture every few years. symbols, etc. - then we say the person sorts information Maybe they’ll move their furniture in their house a primarily by looking at differences. This type of person lot. Lindley observes that it’s all to satisfy their wish could be considered argumentative, because for things to be different. when someone else makes a statement of fact or From Lindley Craig and NLP, we see ways it might opinion, they will come back with a “different” view. be easier to move forward once we recognize how When she hears, “It was a beautiful weekend,” a our brain's "programs" affect how we face change "differences" person and challenges. The AWA is here to support you in will find the one your life here, with a range of groups and activities.

Some of them are very much like what you may have done somewhere else, and some could be very different, and you can choose what helps you adapt best to your life in Singapore.

Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support at monthly meetings. listenladies@awasingapore.org -- 32 --

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

www.awasingapore.org

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Ask An Expert Expat creating your own successful expat experience

Written by ASK AN EXPERT EXPAT normally addresses our members’ real-life questions regarding the unique circumstances inherent in expat living. In this issue, Tanya Arler, a mindset coach, author and seasoned expat, shares her three mindset pillars of happy expat living: Attitude, Expectations and Identity.

Framing these three pillars correctly can turn your expat overload into the adventure of a lifetime.

Tanya Arler

Who needs a milkshake when you can have bubble tea? (Curious about what that is? See page 27).

Attitude You said "yes" to moving to another country, maybe uprooting your kids, to offer them a global perspective, so you’re a glass-half-full type. GREAT! When moving into uncharted territory, it’s important to be optimistic, but as the support pillar and emotional mainstay for your family members, your optimism can have its hazards. You might start to feel that if you aren’t "happy" you’re letting them down, so your default response to heartache becomes a positive comment, bordering on cliché. It’s okay to have a bad day. It is hard, sometimes, to acknowledge distress without putting a positive twist on it. But it can be just what your family needs to process things in their own way. Don’t become a pessimist; just leave some room for the raw emotion.

Expectations Shakespeare said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” I say expectations you didn’t know you had are the problem. "Back home" there were implied rules; McDonalds serves milkshakes, "on" and "off" are not verbs, ketchup and mustard are

Try looking at your situation from a different perspective

Identity A common pitfall is the belief that replicating what you did back home will lead to the same sense of fulfilment and identity here. These don’t stem from what you do, but rather, from how you feel about what you do. If you can’t find familiar activities or feel disappointed by what’s even available, ask yourself what you got out of what you did. Did your rigorous gym schedule also give you a sense of friendship and belonging? Did your job offer routine and mental exercise? By taking a different perspective, you can open yourself up to a wealth of opportunities that you otherwise might have overlooked.

Ketchup and mustard aren't always served here

There are many versions of you. This is your opportunity a pair. When you become an expat, subconscious to discover a new one, so go for it and enjoy the expectations like these are challenged daily. Things adventure we call expat life! are different, the rule book is changed. Since you weren’t even aware there was a rule book, this can Tanya is the author of UNPACK - A cause frustration, sadness and anger. Next time guide to life as an expat spouse, offering practical advice on you’re feeling this way, ask yourself; "Is this wrong? navigating the staggering changes Or is this just different than I expected?" Quite often, we face. Available at the AWA the answer is the latter. If you can get your head office, on Amazon and Kindle. around that, life as an expat gets a whole lot easier.

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AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

LUXURY MILLINERY

www.awasingapore.org

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WWW.THEGIRLWITHAHAT.COM

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SINGAPORE

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Writers' Block

a contribution from our AWA Writers' Group members.

Written by

My Equatorial Malaise

Amanda Jaffe

Recently, I was surprised to find myself in an equatorial malaise. “Equatorial” because I’m essentially living on the Equator. “Malaise” as in a lethargic state.

Some might call it a funk, but it felt like something more. Like a durian had fallen on my head. I’d lost my Singapore mojo.

Given this, perhaps my equatorial malaise was understandable. It’s a lot of work being in two worlds, or in two states of existence, at once. If anyone had bothered to ask Schrödinger’s cat, he might have agreed. Or he might have agreed and not agreed at the same time.

I sat down to write – something I really enjoy doing on most days -- only to find myself swirling about without much inspiration. I have no idea why, but Schrödinger’s cat came to mind. A completely random thought?

No, as it turned out. An inspiring one.

Even if superposition does exist, physicists will still tell you that you can’t extrapolate from superposition in the quantum world (which, again, operates on a really small scale) to the everyday “big-world” reality we experience around us. Schrödinger had a point there. But those physicists have never been to Singapore, where I’ve personally seen a stall in a hawker center that sells chicken rice, extra chicken, extra rice, chicken only, and rice only, thus doing an excellent job of proving that chicken rice, like quantum particles, can exist in all of its possible states at once.

Perhaps you’ve heard of Schrödinger’s cat? With apologies to my animal-loving friends, anyone with a passing knowledge of quantum physics, and those of you who didn’t come to Singapore to think about physics at all, I’ll hit the highlights.

Schrödinger was a scientist in the 1930s who didn’t think much of a theory of physics called the Copenhagen Theory. The scientists who came up with the theory argued that “quantum” objects (really small stuff, like atoms or even smaller) could exist in all of their possible states at the same time.

Essentially, if their theory was correct, it meant that these tiniest of objects could be in more than one place at once – a situation called “superposition.”

Schrödinger came up with an imaginary experiment to show why he thought the Copenhagen Theory was misguided. He imagined a cardboard box that contains a few atoms, a flask of poison, and a cat.

The atoms were rigged so that when they decayed like all atoms do, they would break the flask, release the poison and (I’m sorry) kill the cat.

If the Copenhagen Theory was correct, the atoms in the imaginary box could be both decayed and undecayed at the same time. Which meant the flask in the box could be both broken and unbroken.

Which meant the cat in the box could be both alive and dead. Which, Schrödinger noted, was ridiculous.

With the passage of time, Schrodinger’s cat turned out not to be so ridiculous after all. It turns out that superposition, at least for quantum objects, really happens.

I’m not saying that being an expat is like being alive and dead at the same time. It’s so much better than that. But being an expat does involve superposition. Think about it. How many times have you wandered around with your body in Singapore but your heart back “home?” And how many times have you made a trip back home only to be thinking of Singapore? Two states of existence at the same time. That’s superposition on a very personal scale.

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Whatever the cause of my equatorial malaise, I soon found my joy again. In the course of a single Singapore day, I walked past a vending machine that bills itself as the world’s first salmon-dispensing ATM, downed an amazing banana fritter around the corner, saw otters frolicking in Marina Bay, and gazed at a 27-foot-long sculpture of a baby that weighs seven tons and balances entirely on one hand.

If being an expat means existing in two places simultaneously, it’s your brilliant good fortune that one of your two places is Singapore. This is the home of wild roosters, gardens (both by the bay and otherwise), Thaipusam, lion dances, glowing lanterns, five-foot ways, hawker centers, astounding vending machines, durians, kopi, wandering otters, hornbills, “can,” “cannot,” glittering Marina Bay, riverboats with eyes, celebrity orchids and a waterspouting Merlion, just to name a few. If you suffer from a case of equatorial malaise, you need only look around to find wonders, big and small, that will restore your soul.

Singapore may not be perfect (no place is), but it’s frequently amazing and endlessly surprising. It will make you shake your head, and it will make you smile with wonder. That’s a pretty good position to find yourself in. Some might even call it “super.”

The AWA Writers’ Group meets the second and fourth Thursday to discuss their work. For more information, send an email to writers@awasingapore.org

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

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A WA's Board for 2020-2021 the awa board members

President – Debra Minnock The President’s role is to direct the general affairs of the AWA, setting goals and a specific tone for her term of office. She represents the AWA to the wider Singaporean and international community and ensures the AWA board complies with all appropriate rules and regulations.

Deb has been in Singapore for over six years. She has chaired the Sports and the High Tea groups. This is her first term as President. president@awasingapore.org Vice-President – Kristen Mooney The Vice-President is in charge of Membership. She has overall responsibility for our membership numbers and marketing efforts, working with our drop-in coffee and drinks volunteers, our long-term member group and our marketing volunteers.

Kristen joined the AWA in 2019. She served as a cochair for the AWA Newcomers. This is her first term as Vice President. Vicepresident@awasingapore.org Treasurer – Ali Donaldson The Treasurer is the financial conscience of the AWA and provides factual, unbiased financial information to facilitate informed decision-making by the board. She is responsible for all financial income and expenses, and works closely with her assistant treasurers and the GM to manage this important work.

Ali joined the AWA in 2018 and volunteers with our Community Service group. This is her second term as AWA Treasurer. Treasurer@awasingapore.org Secretary – Katherine McCall The Secretary is responsible for accurate record keeping within the AWA, all board meetings and the accompanying agendas and minutes. She also oversees the Policy and Nominating committees, supporting them and ensuring they follow all appropriate rules and regulations.

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Katherine joined AWA in 2018. She has volunteered in a variety of groups, including Communications and Local Tours. This is her second term as AWA Secretary. Secretary@awasingapore.org Volunteer Director – Mel Rice The Volunteer Director spearheads volunteer recruitment and appreciation. She actively works with the communications team to disseminate accurate information about open volunteer positions through the website, social media, and email. She serves as co-chair of the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and supports the Sports, Social, Special Interest and Major Events Chairs.

Mel joined the AWA in 2008. She served two terms as President. She has previously volunteered as VicePresident, Sports Chair and chair of the AWA Fashion Show. VolunteerDirector@awasingapore.org External Affairs Director – Linda Schindler The External Affairs Director has overall responsibility for our interaction with the wider community through our community service and our relationships with corporate partners. She works closely with and supports the Community Service Chair and Corporate Relationship Manager. She also supports the President in making connections with the wider community in Singapore.

Linda joined the AWA in 2014. This is her first term as External Affairs Director. She was Communications Director for two years and Special Interest Chair for two years. ExternalAffairs@awasingapore.org Communications Director – Lorraine Graybill The Communications Director is responsible for AWA communications, including the AWA Magazine, website, upcoming event emails and social media. She works closely with the chairs of these committees and ensures they follow all appropriate rules and regulations.

Lorraine joined AWA in 2016. She previously chaired Local Tours. This is her second term as Communications Director.

CommsDirector@awasingapore.org

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

A WA's Board for 2020-2021 the awa board members

Major Events Chair – Venta Norvilas The Major Events Chair represents the major event committees on the AWA board: Home Tour, Thanksgiving Picnic, Holiday Luncheon, Holiday Lights Bus Tour, Spring Event, Fashion Show, and any other ad hoc major events.

Venta joined the AWA in 2013.

She has chaired the Bar Night committee and served on the board as Social Chair.

This is her second term as Major Events chair. Events@

awasingapore.org

Social Chair – Kristin Bemowski The Social Chair represents all of the social committees on the AWA board.

Kristin joined the AWA in 2017.

She has chaired the Bar Night committee. This is her second term as Social Chair. Social@awasingapore.org Special Interest Chair – Aarti Sonawala The Special Interest Chair represents all of the special interest committees on the AWA board.

Aarti joined the AWA in 2013. She has chaired the Speakers Lunch program and the Holiday Luncheon.

This is her first term as Special Interest Chair.

Sports Chair – Jaclyn Muncy The Sports Chair represents all sports committees on the AWA board.

Jaclyn joined the AWA in 2018.

She has since volunteered on AWA event committees. This is her first term as Sports Chair.

Sports@awasingapore.org

Community Service Chair – Ashley Fagan The Community Service Chair works with her committee to provide AWA members with information about, and an opportunity to volunteer with, non-profit organizations in Singapore.

Ashley joined the AWA in 2018.

She has been the co-chair of AWA Playgroups since 2019. This is her first term as the AWA community service chair.

Commservice@awasingapore.org

Corporate Relations Manager – Emily Ludwick The Corporate Relations Manager maintains an overview of the AWA’s business partnerships and coordinates our annual contracts and agreements.

Emily joined AWA in 2016, and has been an active volunteer on several committees. This is her second term as Corporate Relations Manager.

crm@awasingapore.org

SpecialInterest@awasingapore.org

Ex officio: General Manager - Sarah Cockerill

Historian - Caitlin Fry

The general manager is the only AWA paid staff position. She is responsible for maintaining, supervising, and coordinating AWA business, and for advising and supporting board members in carrying out their duties.

The Historian provides the board with background regarding decisions and activities from previous years. Ideally, this position is offered to a member who has served on the AWA board in a variety of roles over several years.

Sarah joined the AWA in 2005, became the office manager in 2006, and then general manager in 2008. After a three-year interval in Japan, Sarah returned to the AWA in 2012 to take up the position of general manager again.

Caitlin served on the AWA board in the 2000s and was President in 20092010. She recently returned to Singapore and resumed volunteering for the AWA, chairing the 2019 Home Tour and No Exit Strategy group. This is her second term as Historian. Historian@awasingapore.org

gm@awasingapore.org

www.awasingapore.org

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A WA's Communications Team How we reach our members and how you can reach us

With so many members, it takes a large communications team to keep the AWA connected. Below are the different positions and current volunteers helping out. Please note that AWA is a volunteer organization, so we do not keep regular office hours. Interested in helping with AWA communications? Please reach out to the Communications Director.

Social Media Managers - responsible for The AWA Facebook Page (public), the AWA Members Community Group (private) and the AWA Instagram account. They also set up and have oversight of all AWA activity Facebook sub-groups.

Facebook: Felicia Di Salvo socialmedia@

awasingapore.org

Instagram: Kanika Karu socialmedia@awasingapore.org Website Content Manager- creates and modifies the content on the website at the request of event/ activity chairs, assists with the creation of events and activates the events each month. She is additionally responsible for publishing the online issues of our magazine.

Dianne Donadio contentmanager@awasingapore.org

AWA Magazine Editor - responsible for all aspects of the planning and production of AWA Magazine. She works with a team of writers, photographers, copy editors and graphic design volunteers. She makes all final editorial decisions regarding the content and layout of all six issues each year.

Tori Nelson editor@awasingapore.org Advertising Sales Manager - responsible for the selling of advertising in each of our communication channels. If you want to get your product or service in front of our community, contact our sales manager for our affordable rates and variety of options.

Jasmine Wells-Yeo advertisingsales@awasingapore.org

Advertising Manager - coordinates all advertising requests and works with the various volunteer managers to publish paid advertising. She handles all of the financial aspects of advertising.

Katherine McCall advertising@awasingapore.org CONNECT WITH US! On the web: www.awasingapore.org On our public Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/AWASingapore Communications Director - oversees all AWA communication channels and the overall AWA communication strategy.

Lorraine Graybill commsdirector@awasingapore.org Upcoming Events Email Manager - sends out our “AWA Upcoming Events” email to members on the second and fourth Monday of the month. The email contains details of AWA events in the next two to four weeks.

Nilam Mehta broadcast@awasingapore.org -- 40 --

Request to join our Facebook Members Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/awamembers On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ awaofsingapore/

To find other issues of our magazine, published on www.Issuu.com, search on “AWA Singapore” (note that earlier issues were titled Bamboo Telegraph.)

AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

Emergency Contact Numbers

critical contact information just in case!

When accidents happen, it can be hard to know what to do and whom to call. Here are a few essential phone numbers to have on hand, just in case you ever need them, but hopefully you won’t.

Emergency Ambulance and Fire Non-Emergency Ambulance Police Emergency Police Hotline Traffic Police Info Hotline Police SMS (Hard of Hearing service) Dengue Hotline Fire Hazard Reporting

995 1777 999 1 800 255 0000 6547 0000 70999 1 800 933 6483 1 800 280 0000

Government Hospitals with Accident or Emergency Services Singapore General Hospital 6321 4103 National University Hospital 6772 5000 KK Women's and Children Hospital 6293 4044 Tan Tock Seng Hospital 6357 8777 Crisis Hotlines and Suicide Prevention Mental Health Helpline Samaritans of Singapore

6389 2222 (24 hours) 1 800 221 4444 (24 hours)

Unleash untamed emotions with Meenakari enamel work accentuated by uncut diamonds (Polki) and precious gems in 22k gold. Manjrie is a bespoke jewelry brand inspired by the indomitable feminine spirit that melds Indian culture with western aesthetics.

www.awasingapore.org

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A WA Potpourri wildlife in singapore

A lot of animals were out and about during the 2020 Circuit Breaker. Below are some fun images AWA members sent to us of wild animals on the loose in Singapore. How many have you seen? If you have any great wildlife images, feel free to share them on our AWA Facebook or Instagram pages.

Bee

Birds

Butterfly

Colugo

Wild Boar

Swan

Monkeys

Hornbills

Koi

Monitor Lizard

Monitor Lizard

Macaw

Otters

Owl

Peacock

Snake

Peacock

Rooster

Monkeys

Turtle

Visit Australia & New Zealand with us...

Explore our natural World Heritage sites.

Meet our unique wildlife.

Try some of the best food & wine in the world!

Local knowledge. Trusted advice & service since 2004. www.aettravel.com.au WhatsApp: +61 439 204 084 Email: vicki@aettravel.com.au

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AWA Annual Issue 2020-2021

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A WA Activities BE in the know

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. Rosalie Kwok 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 evening at Boomerang Bar, Robertson Quay. Anne Roberts, 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 international 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 & Kate Mitchell, 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. Noelle Speers, coffee@awasingapore.org Duplicate Bridge – American Standard five-card major rules every Monday. You don’t need a partner to join. Amy Starling and Sock-Yan Sim, 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. Helena Cochrane, intlchoir@awasingapore.org Listen Ladies – A compassionate group of ladies who support one another. Andrea McKenna Brankin, listenladies@awasingapore.org Local Tours –Professionally guided tours of Singapore.

Terry Young & Cathy Barshop localtours@awasingapore.org Mahjong - International style in a low stress FUN friendly atmosphere on every Monday afternoon & 3rd Tuesday evening at Boomarang Robertson Quay. mahjong@ awasingapore.org Movie Lunch – Monthly lunch followed by a movie in the Orchard Road area. Michelle Reeb, movielunch@ awasingapore.org

Newcomers - For AWA's new members. Linda Cochran, newcomers@awasingapore.org No Exit Strategy - For women who have lived in Singapore eight years or more. Caitlin Fry and Paige Okun, noexit@ awasingapore.org Photography – Meets once a month to have fun practicing and improving our photography. All levels are welcome. photography@awasingapore.org Playgroup - For moms with kids under age three. Meets every Friday morning at a member's home plus a monthly "Moms Night Out". Ashley Hamlin & Morgan Steinman, playgroups@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. Lily Giddens & Peng Pavie, 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. Marlene Han & Leanne Porter, hiking@ awasingapore.org Running - Group runs for all levels on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at locations around Singapore. Suzanne Murphy and Eleanor Doyle, 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.

Ashley Fagan, commservice@awasingapore.org Ronald McDonald House Charities - Support the families of children at Singapore’s National University Hospital. Qian Marquard, rmhc@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 Willing Hearts - Monthly shifts to prepare food for the less fortunate. Spring Sun, willinghearts@awasingapore.org kidsREAD - Help local children develop a love of reading.

Rekha Kumar, kidsread@awa.singapore.org

For more information, visit our website: www.awasingapore.org