The American Women's Organization of Moscow - Online Magazine / March 2020 (redacted copy)

THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION OF MOSCOW

Newsletter MARCH 2020

The Promise of Spring

Letter from the President After five years of coffee meetings been held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the AWO Moscow will once again find a new home next door at the Historic Hotel National. With changing times and budgets, our organization also needed to make a few changes that we believe were best for our members and sponsors.

With that said we will be forever grateful to The RitzCarlton Hotel for their support and generosity throughout the years. We also thank our main sponsors Expat Salon and Intermark for sponsoring our coffee mornings and providing us with a venue where our members can call home.

So for an exciting fresh start in our new home, we invite our members to participate in the upcoming Annual General Meeting on March 18. Not only will we vote in the new 2020-2021 Executive Board over a tasty complimentary lunch, but this will also be a great introduction to our beautiful new venue at Hotel National. We will also be voting on making a change to our Constitution, to open our wonderful organization to more Associate members—an increase from 33% to 40%. The AGM is also a great opportunity to see exactly what we have been doing as an organization, what is to come and the impact we have made on the lives of others through our charity initiatives.

So please join us in turning over a new leaf together, to celebrate new beginnings and to make decisions which will shape the future of our organization. In return we will also have a delicious 3 course lunch with a beautiful view of the Red Square in great company with our fellow members.

Enjoy our March newsletter which has tons of great and helpful information at your fingertips. There is also an article on our new location, The National Hotel, to help you learn a bit more about our upcoming new home.

Michele

List of Contents:

4

Save the Date

5

Events of the Month

13 News from FAWCO

7

Invitation for AGM Lunch

17 Interview: Sallie Chaballier

8

The AWO Charitable Canvas

19 Special Offers for AWO Members

9

Green News

28 AWO 2019-2020 Board Members

10 Spread Sunshine Updates

29 Thank You to our Sponsors & Donors

12 Upcoming Spread Sunshine Events

30 Credits

3 March 2020

Save the Date for: AWO Charitable Canvas

Save the Date

March 5, 2020.

Embassy of the Philippines The Annual General Meeting March 18, 2020 between 11:30am - 1:30pm.

Free Tour after the AGM with Patriarchy Dom Tours of downtown Moscow to discover music, theatre and architecture.

March 18, 2020 between 1:30 - 3:30pm.

AWO Charitable Canvas March 26, 2020.

Embassy of the Philippines

Our Coffee Mornings take place at:

Coffee Mornings

Hotel National 15/1 Mokhovaya Str. Bld. 1 from 11:30am - 1:30pm on April 1, 15 and 29 May 13 and 27 June 10 and 24

4 March 2020

Events of the Month: Concerts: Beethoven and Tchaikovsky Festival, until May 31, 2020.

Starting at the end of February until May 31st, a series of concerts will take place at the Zaryadye Concert Hall as a part of the Beethoven and Tchaikovsky Festival. This is a great opportunity to visit this modern architectural beauty, while enjoying some masterpieces of classical music.

Venue: Zaryadye Concert Hall, Zaryadye Park https://zaryadyehall.com/en/

Performance: Ghezel Dance Theatre, March 4 -6, 28, 2020 For celebrating the International Women’s Day, the Ghezel Dance Theatre will perform series of shows throughout this month, starting with the Holiday Show on March 4th at the State Kremlin Palace. Tickets can be bought from their website: theatregzhel.ru/afisha

Exhibition: Salvador Dali’s “Magic Art”, until March 25, 2020 The exhibition will feature more than 180 works by Dali: paintings, drawings, watercolors and prints. The visitors will be able to trace the entire long career of Salvador Dali, to explore all stages of his development as a painter. The exhibition will feature paintings from the youthful impressionistic landscapes of the 1910s to the last abstract canvases of the 1980s.

Venue: Central Manege, Red Square https://dali2020.ru/

5 March 2020

Festival: Mama Fest, March 7, 2020.

Right before the International Women’s Day, which is also celebrated as Mother’s Day in Russia, there is a free event for all family members to enjoy together. There will be a concert, a gifts market and series of workshops on March 7th. Admission is free, by prior registration. For more information, please click the link below: Venue: Litovskiy Boulevard, 7/ Литовский бульвар 7 kts-vdohnovenie.timepad.ru/event/1224647

Concert: State Academic Choreographic Ensemble "Birch", March 8, 2020.

A concert of the State Academic Choreographic Ensemble "Birch" will be held at the Luzhniki Sports Complex, as a part of the International Women’s Day celebrations. The team is recognized as a national treasure of Russia. The concert will feature classical ensemble compositions and contemporary productions.

Venue: Luzhniki Sports Complex

http://www.luzhniki.ru/

Performance: The Wizard of Oz, March 14, 2020.

“The Wizard of Oz” is a large multi-genre performance in which participate the best of circus and theatrical performers, talented dancers and clowns. To get to the Emerald City, click the link below: Venue: Vhodnovenie/ Park VDNH https://intermarkclub.ru/event/the-wizard-of-oz-8/

Performance: Don Juan Musical, March 17, 2020 An updated version of the famous musical “Don Juan” will be shown in Moscow for the first time. Muscovites will be able to attend the premiere in March 2020, after that the performance will proceed its tour around the world.

Venue: The State Kremlin Palace https://en.kremlinpalace.org/events/don-juan-musical-5

6 March 2020

Dear AWO Members,

Please RSVP for our special complimentary Lunch on Wednesday, March 18 from 11:30-13:30!

It's part of our Annual General Meeting, where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and a three-course lunch, along with a brief review of this year's AWO social and charitable activities. We will also have a raffle with fun prizes to support Otkazniki Foundation, which helps orphaned children.

Lunch & Meeting will be held at the Hotel National, located right by the Okhotny Ryad metro station and across the street from the Kremlin.

Please RSVP to let us know if you can make it, and to choose your meal selections! Responses needed by March 11, please.

We have accomplished a lot this year, and this is our chance to celebrate it together. We look forward to seeing you!

Your AWO Moscow Board P.S. If you have difficulty accessing the link to register, please see the link in your email invitation from AWO Moscow on February 18.

March 2020

the Embassy of the Philippines

www.otkazniki.ru

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0b48a5a82baafd0-womens

8 March 2020

Green News:

by Masha Megrelis

Most of us have too much stuff. Closets full of clothes - many of which we don’t even wear. Those of us with children know how easy it is to accumulate hundreds of stuffed animals without even noticing and shelves full of toys, many of them rarely played with.

What if we try to make 2020 a year where we buy less, buy only secondhand or maybe don’t buy anything new at all?

Some sobering statistics: - The apparel industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and remains the second largest industrial polluter, second only to oil.

- On average, people bought 60% more garments in 2014 than they did in 2000.

- While people bought 60% more garments in 2014 than in 2000, they only kept the clothes for half as long.

- A lot of this clothing ends up in the dump. The equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes is burned or dumped in a landfill every second.

- The fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water worldwide.

The toys we buy and throw out also have a negative impact on the environment. Today most toys are made of plastic and because of the way they are made, are difficult, if not impossible to recycle. Then, there are the layers and layers of packaging they come in most of it is also difficult or impossible to recycle.

9 March 2020

Fast fashion and toys are just two examples of our rampant overconsumption - a lifestyle that is not sustainable and has a negative impact on our environment.

In Moscow there are secondhand stores such as Lavka Radostei https://radostey.lavkafond.ru where you can both donate unneeded items or pick up something “new” for yourself (an added plus is that proceeds from sales go to charities).

You can also join the Moscow Expats Secondhand Group on Whatsapp. A good place to to buy gently used secondhand items, and to sell or giveaway your own no longer needed things. https:// chat.whatsapp.com/C1r72OtozpGKVowMHCdFeH Looking for books or have books to donate? There is a secondhand bookstore at St. Andrews Church where you can donate books or buy some for yourself. Books are sold for 100 roubles each. Proceeds go to renovation of the Church building. https:// mobile.facebook.com/standrewsbooks/ ?_rdc=1&_rdr

Spread Sunshine Updates

by Danielle Kuznetsov

In honor of this month’s newsletter’s theme, The Promise of Spring, I want to introduce you to Olesya Desnyanskaya.

Since 2013, Olesya has worked as the director of the Otkazniki programs focused on prevention of social orphanhood. I wish you could meet her in person and hear her story. It is one of a PROMISE and a fantastic kickstart to all the good beginnings that the spring offers. Getting to know the people inside the organizations AWO supports is a privilege for me and one of the perks of my job! I have an inside view of their work and who they are as a person, and it makes our AWO contribution so much more meaningful.

Olesya was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. Her mother comes from a big loving family. Her father was orphaned at age one when his parents were killed by the invasion in WWII. He lived in 14 different orphanages in Ukraine, but by a miracle, grew up a psychologically whole person. He graduated from Mechmath of Moscow State University, became a teacher, got married at 35, and came into the fold of his new wife’s family. “We have always been my dad’s life,” she says affectionately.

Olesya graduated from MGU and began working in the airline safety industry and although the job was a good one, she felt no connection to the work she was doing. In 2010, she began volunteering for Otkazniki and immediately knew this was the job of her life. The connection with her father having been an orphan himself left her with a desire to make a difference in the lives of other children with no families. She is convinced that everything about who she was exactly matches the work she is called to do, and the work she is called to do is what saved her life.

10 March 2020

“In the late fall of 2015, sores came out on my hands that would not heal. The dermatologist prescribed cream saying it was something connected with my immune system. Then, as the sores healed, I began having a temperature and bleeding of my gums, my throat hurt and my glands swelled. I continued seeing various doctors and was told I was having an immune system issue. I knew something was wrong and through my own research I eliminated AIDS right away as my symptoms did not match but realized I had Leukemia. I called a friend to take me for a blood test.

The blood results showed off -he-chart blood counts.

Calling an ambulance was my only way out. The ambulance brought me directly to the hospital thanks to the on-call doctor who agreed with my hunch. I would have lost a lot of time otherwise. This is one of the reasons I am still here, I believe. That and staring my fear right in the face and moving ahead quickly with the medical community.”

“The road was long and filled with pain, but not once was I left alone in this. My parents were a great help and source of strength, and my friends and colleagues at Otkazniki made my healing their priority. The first month it was too difficult for me to focus on my treatment plan. My friends at work took over and created a plan. Someone was always there to take me to the appointments. When I needed a donor for a bone marrow transplant - within 3 days the 1.5 million ruble price tag was raised. When I needed blood, strangers donated - I was never without blood! When I needed company, someone was there; ice for the pain, within 2 hours it was in my hands; help to walk and friend strolled in, something to read, something to eat, something to take my mind off the pain-all of these needs were filled by my Otkazniki family. December 31 arrived and so did my Christmas tree, angels, and gifts, and a room full of the balloons that I had hoped to see once I recovered and went home. This love carried me when I had no strength to even gargle or think past the minute I was living in. Death was at my doorstep, but these dear people kept me fighting for life.”

“My second birthdate, July 7, 2016, was a time of learning how to live again. I depended upon my mother to assist me with the milestones of independence and finally in February 2019 I graduated to a ‘normal’ life and she moved home. I worked part time for a while to gain stamina and eventually returned to my full-time schedule and all the people who brought me through. This experience taught me so much about fear and the strength one gets from walking straight into it to get to the other side. It also taught me about living my life intentionally from this moment on, taking care of my body, and investing in relationships that are dear to me. It is how I take a stand against the fear of relapse (we’ll call a spade a spade here) and remind myself to not spend a single day of my life on some unnecessary nonsense.”

“I had always thought about adopting-maybe that is connected to my own father’s history. I am not sure.

However, in June 2019, once life returned to normal, I broke the news to my parents and began to pursue this dream. My parents were worried about how I would find the mental and physical energy to adjust. I was not. I am now the proud mother of a beautiful teen girl, Nastya. She knows my whole story and I know hers.

We are learning a lot about life together. Everything that I have to give her is the very same everything that saved me in the hospital.”

11 March 2020

Upcoming Spread Sunshine Events: The Charitable Canvas This month’s charity focus continues with the work that Otkazniki is doing in Moscow and the surrounding areas. The AWO Charitable Canvas days on the 5th and 26th of March are graciously being hosted at the Embassy of the Philippines by Madame Maria Sorreta, the wife of the Philippine Ambassador.

For more information, please check page 6 above.

On March 5th, we are raising money to support Misha, a hearing impaired orphan who cannot be fostered or adopted until his hearing is corrected. You can learn more about Misha here.

Misha is almost six years old, his favorite color is green, and he loves chicken soup. He qualifies for implant surgery paid by the government, but none of the pre- or post-operative therapies that are needed to restore the hearing/ comprehending faculties

are compensated, making him ineligible for the operation itself. This is how we can make a difference! Otkazniki is looking to raise 350,000 rubles that will go towards paying for these therapies and hospital care so that Misha is able to hear and learn how to speak.

This will then place him on the official list as available for a foster family or adoption. I invite you to come and participate in changing the history of this young boy’s life.

There is another Charitable Canvas day on March 26th, set to raise money for the SafeHouse: safehouse.foundation.

SafeHouse is an organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking. Due to the nature of this work, we will have a short presentation at the event to share whom the funds will help.

anyone interested in ordering the items to be sent to the shelter. These are items the house director and volunteers have a hard time getting donated. The suitcases, for example, are used to help move the women and their belongings before, during, and after their stay at the home. If you are interested in contributing, please click here and donate.

The Tipoli Dom Women’s Shelter is also in need of support. Eugenie Kim has prepared a list of needs for the women and newborns with links for

Please feel free to share the link with Moscow friends. Thank you in advance for all your support.

12 March 2020

News from FAWCO Last month FAWCO published the first issue of Inspiring Women 2020, featuring the inspiring FAWCO women under 40.

We do know one inspiring woman under 40, don’t we? Yes! Our one and only President, Michele Kuhlen was among the women featured in this issue. You may read about her journey from Jamaica to Russia below.

Thanks to FAWCO, we are able to read inspirational stories from many great women around the globe and learn more about Generation Y and the Millennials!

To read the whole magazine, please visit: https:// www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/ 63018618/inspiring-women-spring-2020

13 March 2020

From Jamaica to Russia with Love MICHELE KUHLEN Member: American Women’s Organization of Moscow From: Kingston, Jamaica Lives: Moscow, Russia I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica with my younger brother by my mom and dad. My mom was a senior financial analyst in banking and my dad was an accountant for the largest telecommunications company in Jamaica at the time, then later opened his own business. I grew up with a strong family background of togetherness. Even though it was just my brother and me in our household, I had a large extended family consisting of many cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents who were always around. There is a famous Jamaican saying “It takes a village to raise a child,” meaning everyone in the family is usually involved or plays a role in the upbringing of a child to ensure that they are raised in an environment of love and good morals. This has always stuck out in my mind especially since I became an expat myself living abroad with children. I do wish they also had the opportunity of having cousins and family members around growing up. I do miss having that support and family environment.

I moved to Montego Bay, one of the vacation resorts in Jamaica, after completing my studies in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a major in Hotel and Resort Management. It is here that my career began in hospitality as a front office agent at the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay Jamaica. I was later promoted to the Guest Experience Manager and then Evening Duty Manager. The hotel then went through staffing changes where many positions were cut and I was then moved to Meetings and Special Events for a short stint which then led me into PR and Sales and Marketing.

I am currently living in Moscow, Russia, with my husband and two children. I am here based on my husband’s line of work who is also in the hotel industry. We met in Jamaica where he also lived for almost 5 years.

My teacher from my high school Mrs. June Saunders inspired me to get more involved in my local clubs. She was such a ball of energy, extremely hard working, a person who loved and cared for everyone she crossed paths with.

Growing up I was a member of the WAGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts).

55 14 March 2020

Some of my family at my Grandmother’s 90th birthday party

I started as a brownie in elementary school. In high school I continued up the ranks with this organization as a Girl Guide then Ranger where Ms. Saunders was the leader. Having learned and served for a movement dedicated to girls and women around the world along with the enthusiasm and passion to serve and help others portrayed by Mrs. Saunders whom I also truly admired, I also became a leader. I started a brownie group in my church for underprivileged girls who lived in the surrounding area while I was attending university.

A summer meeting of AWO Moscow

When I became president of the AWO Moscow I remember starting to receive newsletters and emails about FAWCO, something I had no prior knowledge of. Going through the FAWCO newsletters and seeing what they were doing to help others, the different areas they were involved in, the women around the world they represented and the community they provided for women living abroad, I immediately became interested and wanted to learn more. I was then eager to attend my first FAWCO conference, an Interim Meeting, in The Hague which at the time was only a few months away, to learn more about the wonderful organization.

After the conference I left feeling inspired and could not believe there was such an organization that existed that I had no idea about before! Since then I have also shared this new love with our members and always look forward to attending conferences and IMs to meet up with all the wonderful women I have met through FAWCO and learning more about the organization.

Being a member of the AWO Moscow helped me significantly in adjusting to my new life in Moscow. It provided me with a community where I could turn to for support in navigating my way around a new city and putting me in touch with like-minded women with whom I was able to socialize and learn new things. Being president has also helped with my passion to work, serve and make a difference in the lives as others.

I am also honored to currently serve on the FAWCO Under 40 Task Force, a group of FAWCO women under 40 who were chosen to generate ideas and solutions for getting more younger members more involved in FAWCO leadership and activities.

At the FAWCO Interim Meeting in The Hague 2018

56 15 March 2020

IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHELE What advice would you offer to yourself five years ago? If I could offer myself advice 5 years ago, I would say that it’s okay to be just a stay at home mom. For a long time, I focused a lot on always trying to do something in addition to raising my family. I enjoyed being in the working world so much and was extremely devoted to my work that when I was unable to work it always felt as if something was missing. I spent a lot of time focusing on what else I could do and always trying to find something part time to take away that feeling that I needed to be more. It was emotionally and mentally draining and unnecessary pressure I was putting myself under to be more. Not acknowledging at the time that I was already carrying out one of the hardest jobs on this earth, raising young children who are 1 1/2 years apart and running a household. I needed to take more credit of being the CEO of The Kuhlen Family, head cook, the person who fixes everything as well as being my husband’s social ambassador. :).

If you could change one thing in your lifetime what would it be and why do you think it needs to be changed? The way people view food. I strongly believe that the rapidly increasing number of persons with cancer and other deadly diseases, is due to the lack of knowledge and consumption of unhealthy foods. I do wish we lived in a society where natural healthy food was as readily available as junk fast food and as inexpensive. Where food governing organizations did more to protect and enlighten people on ingredients and products which aren’t good for your bodies. Or strict bans on chemicals deemed unsafe on our fruits and vegetables that can

With some ladies from my sales team at The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica

5716 March 2020

My family and I while living in St. Thomas the US Virgin Islands

harm us. It is sad to see how many friends and family members have passed in recent years from cancer. I wish there was more that could be done to help in prevention. If we don’t take more time to pay closer attention to what we put in our bodies and growing environmental issues, we will continue to see more of these deadly diseases on the rise.

What are some things you’ve had to unlearn?

Technology is amazing but can also be a handicapped due to overuse which I am also guilty of, being too dependent on it. I was a bit ashamed recently when my phone screen got damaged only to realize that I hardly knew anyone’s phone number from memory. Also being less dependent on a GPS system and taking the time to memorize and be more observant about surroundings. Or just making notes the old fashioned way: pen and paper.

Theses are all things we all need to practice more or relearn to keep the brain active and not be so dependent on technology. I am trying to unlearn these behaviors of dependency on technology.

If you had to give a 40-minute presentation, with absolutely no preparation, what would you talk about? I would speak about life as an expat, how to understand and embrace the culture you are living in and things you can do to help with settling into your new environment.

I think for women who are traveling spouses, it is always a bit more difficult to settle in the new environment. Husbands have a social outlet which is work whereas the women have to create their own. To be able to live happily and healthily in any new environment there are tools that we all need and if sharing my own life experiences can help someone else, I would like to share them.

Interview with Sallie Chaballier

by Danielle Kuznetsov I can’t believe this is my last FAWCO article as I pass the baton onto Annelize Smith this month. It has been a great year of learning, making connections and most of all, working with many other women. I am very excited that Annelize will continue AWO Moscow’s investment and connection with FAWCO - she is the perfect person for the job!

I wanted to wrap up my experience and use this to encourage each one of you to consider joining the FAWCO voice and share your passion and expertise to enact change in the world. You all have taught me that when we work together, great things happen. I am so thankful to you for that.

To that end, I want to introduce you to a wonderful woman whose journey with FAWCO began in 2007.

Sallie Chaballier, FAWCO President from 2017-2019, on the board for 7 years, advisor to the PR and Social Media Committee and the proofreader-at-large, has dedicated significant time and talent over many years to the FAWCO family. Life is all about seasons, is it not?

And Sallie keeps choosing SPRING with FAWCO which keeps her serving in new capacities. When I asked what that is about she said:

Data shows that when women are involved in the process of peacemaking, decision making, politics, and finance, change happens. Women invest in communities.

17 March 2020

“The FAWCO mission is broad, as it offers something for just about everyone. We connect the women of the individual clubs to an international community of women and help clubs look outward and learn from each other.We are fortunate to draw on the abilities of several generations of women: wisdom and experience from women who have worked with FAWCO over several decades as well as energy and fresh ideas from young women starting our their international lives. Our founder, Caroline Curtis Brown’s conviction that 'enlightened women, working cooperatively throughout the world, could do much to help achieve international peace' is still relevant 89 years later and our job is to not only remain relevant but to communicate that relevance to the world.

FAWCO, as a global women’s NGO, carries great credibility in Washington as it is also the oldest and largest civilian group of Americans abroad. This is no small feat in a completely volunteer-run international organization. An integral part of FAWCO’s mission is improving the lives of women and girls worldwide.

FAWCO gives us a voice and our Global Issues Program and UN Team give us an avenue to work toward this goal.”

“Those teams do an impressive job raising awareness of issues affecting women and girls, and their work deserves strong support and wider dissemination.

Data shows that when women are involved in the process of peacemaking, decision making, politics, and finance, change happens. Women invest in communities.” FAWCO makes it possible to give those women a voice and an avenue to enact change.”

Finally, I wanted to know what Sallie personally gained from the investment of her time, resources, and talents.

“FAWCO broadened my horizons immeasurably,” she said. “I had an epiphany of understanding where NGOs fit into the scheme of things along with joining the FAWCO delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women for several years. This experience helped me realize why civil society matters, how women are making their voices heard through civil society

18 March 2020

organizations, and how FAWCO fits in as an organization of international women. Civil society organizations are extremely important: change often comes from the periphery, one step at a time.

It’s important to understand that we can all make a difference, and together our voice is stronger. The more you give, the more you get sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. I have learned diplomacy, volunteer management, having difficult conversations, and finances in global ways. As a president you have to have a wide lens. Most of all, I have learned that working collaboratively improves our lives. It is inherently hopeful.”

That is how I will end this article. Hope is something we all need. Serving FAWCO and our own AWO together with you this past year has given me that gift. I wish that same gift to each and every one of you this spring!

EXPLORE THE NOSTALGIC HEART OF MOSCOW'S CITY CENTER Built in 1903 by famed Russian architect Alexander Ivanov, Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow has been an awe-inspiring historic landmark for more than a century. At various times such outstanding culture, art and politic figures as Anna Pavlova, Herbert Walls, Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming and Donald Trump stayed at Hotel National. In the last few years the property welcomed world-famous stars during their visits to Russia. Among them were Placido Domingo, Quentin Tarantino, Catherine Deneuve, Sophia Loren and many others.

Hotel National keeps its original beginning of 20th century dĂŠcor, including a showpiece staircase with gold leaf plaster and white marble, original Impressionist paintings by Yuri Sergeev throughout the lobby and public areas, and plenty of ostentatiously gilded mirrors and dashing chandeliers. Guests of the hotel are welcomed by the main staircase and historical electric elevators which appeared in 1903 which

design has been preserved since the hotel`s foundation.

Rooms and suites come with Bohemian glass chandeliers, antique furnishings and original and rare artworks including vases, paintings and statues: more than thirty rooms offer views of the Kremlin. In the living room of the suite #101, the entire original ceiling decor and the fireplace were cleaned and repainted their original restrained colors as well as the bedroom with its wall ornamentation. A panel depicting the Victory of Yunona dated 1902 was restored in the living room of suite #115, and the original fabric wall coverings were discovered as a result of the restoration studies, which were also restored.

The buffet breakfast is served in the Moskovsky Hall whose large panoramic windows offer splendid Red Square vistas. The spread includes freshly baked pastries, rich selection of fish, local dishes like blinis with pine cone jam and syrniki with sour cream.

Elegant desserts, flavored coffees, a menu of Russian and International dishes, and a selection of signature cocktails can be enjoyed below the glass atrium of the Aleksandrovsky Bar. Dr. Zhivago restaurant on the ground floor serves classic Russian dishes in a charmingly Soviet setting, while the upscale secondfloor Beluga offers truly Russian delicacies, including a one-of-a-kind caviar brasserie, as well as memorable views over Red Square. The pool in the fitness centre is located at the top 7th floor, which allows guests to enjoy a panorama of Moscow. This is the unique offer among centrally located hotels.

Hotel National offers its guests weekly destination Discoveries tours around the hotel guided by the concierge team. It is a great way to immerse in the history of Moscow as the hotel has been playing a significant role in it. Unique rooms and secret stories are revealed during the tour. To get the taste of the destination guests are welcomed daily in the lobby with Epicurean moments: traditional Russian samovar with tea and local sweet delicacies along with famous Hotel National baked Berliner cookies are available for guests on a complimentary basis. The main sights of Moscow are few steps away, so guests can get introduced to the city`s historical center by walk.

19 March 2020

Special offer #1

MEET THE SPRING I N A P L A C E F I L L E D W I T H H I S T O RY

Spend the most beautiful spring holiday to the sounds of saxophone in the banquet hall "Moskovsky" with a panoramic view of the Kremlin. Chef Sergey Romanov selected special dishes for a truly memorable evening: scallops with pumpkin and young vegetables, melting seabass with asparagus and fondant potatoes, as well as juicy rack of lamb. The final touch is a vapory berry dessert made of mascarpone with strawberry compote by Pastry Chef Konstantin Trekhalin.

Special offer #2

MAKE ANY OCCASION ROMANTIC MENU STARTS FROM 3300 RUB. FOR 3COURSE SET, 5000 RUB. INCLUDING ALCOHOL DRINKS*

Indulge your beloved one with a romantic getaway and enjoy Hotel National`s specials:

RESERVATIONS: +7 495 258 7181, ext.

6794, SALES@NATIONAL.RU

Room with the Kremlin view

MARCH 8 th , 14:00-22:00

Bottle of Champagne

* T E R M S A N D C O N D I T I O N S A P P L Y.

Compliment from Pastry Chef

Breakfast for two

Flowers decoration Late checkout (upon availability)

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: RES@NATIONAL.RU T +7 495 258 71 14 * T E R M S A N D C O N D I T I O N S A P P L Y.

20 March 2020

intermarkclub.ru

21 March 2020

Maly Patriarshy Pereulok, 3 +7 495 650-3749 +7 906 780-9774 +7 906 780-7437

www.expatsalon.ru www.facebook.com/Expatsalon www.instagram.com/expatsalon

The Expat Salon offers 15% off for first time visitors and 10% discount for AWO members in following visits.

22 March 2020

Special Promotion only for AWO Members and their Families on

TEETH WHITENING Express Whitening for 12 600 RUB instead of 21 100.

Zoom4 Whitening for 34 700 RUB instead of 58 000.

The offer is valid from March 1st to 31st, 2020.

www.usdentalcare.ru

23 March 2020

New Style Set Menu Brunch at O2 Lounge

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Beauty Specials ESPA Vegan Facial Exclusive for gorgeous ladies, The Ritz-Carlton Spa starts a new program ESPA Vegan Facial for the entire month. As a compliment to the treatment, a stimulating facial massage with jade rollers is offered. A small surprise will bring joy and fill this day with unforgettable emotions.

Special offer is valid from 1 to 31 of March.

Price: 12500 Rubles for 75 minutes treatment.

Gifts For Her and For Him Shower your loved one with attention and care by gifting a certificate for a special offer at The RitzCarlton Spa and the beauty salon by Vera Shubich – an internationally recognized master and top stylist.

An individual spa massage will awaken your senses, whilst a stunning makeup for her and a stylish haircut for him will make you glow during your date in our O2 Lounge restaurant with mesmerizing views of the city's night lights.

Gift For Her Hairdo, makeup and 60-minutes La Prairie Signature Facial. Price is 23 000 rubles.

Gift For Him Haircut or beard grooming and manicure, 90-minutes Relax Body Massage. Price is 16 000 rubles.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Shopping offer By purchase of ESPA products starting from 10 000 Rubles receive a special gift.

Special offer is valid from February 27 to 31 of March 2020. th

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Sartoria Lamberti introduces Aperitivo Hours Aperitivo is an important part of Italian gastronomic culture. The Sartoria Lamberti restaurant invites you to begin your evening with a cocktail before enjoying dinner or going for an evening stroll through the city. Bar Chef Nikita Gankin presents classics like the well-known Milano-Torino and introduces exquisite novelties like the Japanese Sorbet Spritz — with Japanese plum wine and Italian sparkling wine — or Pink Fular, a signature gin and tonic with homemade grapefruit cider.

Aperitivos are served daily from 6 pm to 8 pm.

25 March 2020

26 March 2020

AWO 2019 - 2020 Board Members:

Michele Kuhlen President

Kelley Jackson Special Events

Danielle Kuznetsov Salma Nurmohamed Vice President Secretary FAWCO Representative, Spread Sunshine Coordinator

Irem Sunar Newsletter

Alla Anastos Membership

28 March 2020

Meg Aw Treasurer

Cindy Knight Social Media Website

Eugenie Kim Membership Chair

Beth Osowski Monday Updates

A Big Thank You to our sponsors and donors for raffle prizes given in FEBRUARY to raise funds for our charity organizations at our meetings held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Naturale

Alternativa Katya

OSINA

29 March 2020

Photo Credits: Pages 1-2: Cindy Knight cindyknight.com

Page 3: freepik.com Pages 5-6: mos.ru Editor: Irem Sunar Layout Design: Irem Sunar iremsunar.com

Proofreaders: Beth Osowski Michele Kuhlen