Volume 16, Issue 7
November 2011
WAC on Track
Womenâ€&#x;s Activity Club The Club is a multifunctional organisation whose purpose is to meet the social, educational and personal needs of its members. The Club is designed to encourage international friendship, support and sharing.
Winterthurerstrasse 18 8610 Uster 043 305 9250
www.wac.ch
Editor‟s Note WAC Board of Directors Good
communication
between
the
Dear Reader,
board
members and the membership of the WAC is important
for
the
continued
improvement of the club.
growth
and
If you have any
concerns or questions, please feel free to contact President Carol Conzelmann
044 940 02 93
carolconzelmann@gmail.com Vice President April Koller
078 839 01 62
Secretary Susan Junod
043 266 92 89
Nancy Dodds
With the lovely Fall break, followed by Halloween, Wintertime switch and then back to the school rhythm.. ( M y son has brought home 2 Eintrag ( Red Cards ) for forgetfulness, he blames them on me-as any selfrespecting kids would) The November newsletter is out. You will find this edition filled with practical tips for booking Cheap Train Fares ( p.7 ) to Zurigirl's tips on Entertaining your Young Ones this fall ( p.11 ) . Our club vice president April Koller give us her favourite recipe to beat the cold front ( p 18 ) . With the shorter days
Treasurer Susan Keller
044 822 3246
way to do so than with a good book, check the Readers'
Activities Chairperson Heike Adler
044 793 13 80
Angie Menendez
079 258 53 18
055 534 00 58
cover, a homage at our new fence and what it entails for all of us ( p8 ) .
acledesma3@gmx.ch WAC Office Jennifer Langkjaer
Langkjaer for structuring all the activities that our club offers ( p21 ) . Finally, you might have noticed our front
Membership Chairperson
Club Office Manager
Gone Wacky upcoming reading lists ( p 20) . I would also like to thanks our very diligent office manager Jennifer
Marketing Chairperson
Ana Wyman
looming by, you might feel like cocooning and what better
043 305 9250 com@wac.ch
Happy Reading,
Advertising Rates
Full page ad: 150 SFr Half page ad: 80 SFr Quarter page ad: 50 SFr Inserts: 150 SFr Learning Tree School WAC Notice board School Director 043 305 9250 (one month / max. A5 / members: free* Ida Imbach LTCSchool@wac.ch or *give to COM to add date & place on imbach@gmx.net office hours:
office hours:
Mon, Wed & Fri: 9:15-12:15
Mon - Thurs: 9:00 - 12:00
the board. WOT Classifieds - (max. 5 lines ) Members: 10 SFr Non Members: 30 SFr
“WAC on Track” Deadlines and Contributions The “WAC on Track” is also a means for members communication. If you have a story to share, a fun experience, a recommendation, a joke, or anything else you would like to share with other members, please email it to
dodds@dodds.ch You can also place ads, classifieds and use notice board (free one line ad for WAC members) in the WAC on Track.
the
WAC
Deadline for the November 2011 edition is October 20th 2011. Page 2
WAC on Track
Page 3
President’s Note Dear fellow members, I hope you all had a relaxed and happy Autumn holiday. We spent a week in Malta and had a great time! It only takes 2 hours to fly there, and although the weather can be a bit mixed with the odd shower, we still enjoyed many afternoons on the beach and the mornings were perfect for sightseeing. I’m not a great fan of winter after so many years living in Asia and in Dubai - so I’m happy to have tanked a bit of extra sun whilst I had the chance!
Carol Conzelmann to all of us bringing our children safely to our cars, and we therefore moved the gate inwards so that we can step into a safe zone before braving the cars. The gate also has a better lock. Maria, our fantastic Interior/ Exterior Chairperson, managed the whole project single-handed - thank you Maria, we appreciate your valuable work very much. Also down to Maria are the new round tables in the clubroom, which we hope make the area more inviting to sit and enjoy a coffee with your WAC friends. We hope you like them!
Those who attend our ever-popular playgroups will also notice that we’ve invested By the time you read this article, our Hallow- some money in new toys for our youngest een party will be just a distant memory. I members. Danna and Angie did a great job know that Swapna and Natalie have been shopping for toys, helped enthusiastically by working very hard to make the event a big their smaller helpers Sky, Mika and Santiago. success, and deserve a huge thank you from Feedback from the kids so far has given them us all for their wonderful efforts. Thanks also a 5-star rating - thank you ladies (and boys) to those of you who came forward to help out, for a job well done! both before the day and at the party itself. Right, time to go and finish digging out all As you will have noticed, we have a new enthose winter clothes…… trance gate at the WAC. We are aware that Have a great month, Carol the traffic in the car park is a constant worry
Page 4
WAC on Track
School News
Kristina Linkomo
Dear Parents
international twist as I was born in Singapore in
I hope your Autumn break was a success and
the 70s where I spent the first 9 years of my life.
mal ” has been a real struggle, we enjoyed ex-
been living in Egg bei Zürich for roughly 4.5
that you are finally getting back into your normal My husband and I and our three children ( two of whom were born here in Switzerland ) have routine. For my family getting “ back to norceptionally lazy mornings throughout the holiday and now find waking up when it is still dark outside quite a challenge! As the new Coordinator of the PTA ( ParentTeacher Association ) I am happy to announce that the Class Representatives for the 2011/2012 School Year have been recruited successfully. All families with children enrolled in classes should receive a personal introductory e-mail from their Class Representative. Our aim is to create a warm atmosphere and sense of togetherness in order to enhance good school spirit in all of us WACky members and
years. We joined the WAC in spring 2011. Currently two of our children attend the WAC – our son attends the Pre-School and Lunch-Club on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and our daughter the Explorers on Monday and Thursday afternoons. We can tell that they are really enjoying their classes because they are so eager to come to the WAC. My husband and I are also looking forward to taking part in the forthcoming parties and events at the WAC. I wish everyone a great school year 2011/2012 and would once again like to thank all the lovely ladies who have signed up as Class Represen-
parents ( sorry! couldn ’ t resist! )
tative.
As I probably will not have the chance to intro-
If you have any questions regarding the PTA
duce myself to all of you in person I would like
please do not hesitate to e-mail:
to take this opportunity to write a few lines
k.linkomo@yahoo.com or call 078 625 0813
about myself…here goes...I am Finnish with an
Warm wishes to all
COM‘S CORNER Your WAC membership will be automatically renewed for 2012. If you would like to cancel your membership, please be sure to inform me in writing ( e-mail, or normal post ) by December 15, 2011 Page 5
The WAC 2011
Christmas party
Sunday, 11th December, 1.30 to 4 p.m. Join our traditional family Christmas party. Give the children the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto, enjoy seasonal stories, crafts, games and Carol Singing around the Christmas tree. Then round off the afternoon with GlĂźhwein and cake, (perhaps juice for the children ;-). We have limited space available as Santa is known to be extremely busy at this time of year. Tickets are only on sale from Monday 21nd November until Wednesday 7th December. (check the notice board as for where to buy them) Adult/ child Sfr. 6.- (2 years and under are free) Every adult ticket will be entered into the prize draw. Any queries, please contact: Mirjam Egli-Rohr: m_eglirohr@yahoo.com or Monique Shroff: moniqueinba@hotmail.com
You will be asked to contribute to the afternoon tea and volunteer for the event when you are buying your ticket. Volunteering as little as about ½ hour of your time will make the party successful and ensure everybody enjoys their time with their family too.
Page 6
WAC on Track
SHARON„S TIPS FOR EXPAT This year we have decided to visit Stuttgart’s Weihnachtsmarkt. These wonderful Christmas markets have hundreds of beautiful little stalls that sell Christmassy items and everything else in between. It is wonderful to stroll through, and experience the quaint, cosy, wintery atmosphere. Unfortunately the bigger, nicer markets seem to be across the border. Round trip train tickets for an adult and a child to Stuttgart booked through the SBB (Swiss Train System) would have cost us Fr. 120.-. But, the identical deal with the exact same train connections and compulsory seat
Sharon Whartmann reservation, booked through the Deutsche Bahn (German train system) cost us Euro 51.50. Wow! A huge saving! Tickets for the Deutsche Bahn can either be booked online www.bahn.de, or they have a small office in Zurich. Enjoy your train ride, and take enough Euros to come back loaded with gifts! Sharon moved to Switzerland 20 years ago. She is from South Africa and married to a Swiss, and they have 2 daughters, 9 and 7 years old. She would like to pass on some tips once in a while to the many Expat families at the WAC – things that she has experienced or found out the hard way – to make life a little easier, and also help understand some of the Swiss ways.
Good to know: Ski rental Time Out Sport Shop in Uster offers a 10% discount to WAC members. For the winter season specifically, this means rental on kids‟ ski boots and skis, comes to a total of ca. Fr. 80.- per child per season!!! (which runs until end of April). They also offer a 10% discount on anything you purchase e.g. ski socks, helmet, gloves, stocks etc.
Page 7
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR
Safety & Practicality - the new gateway to the WAC! Whilst the amazingly frightening Halloween transformation of the WAC took place over the Autumn Break I co-ordinated a rather more permanent change - to the fencing and gate entrance from the car park. I am sure all visitors to the WAC and especially those with very young children (in strollers for example!!) will appreciate what an improvement to safety and practicality this brings. I have a few memories of just about getting myself and my kids in through the old gate milliseconds and millimetres before a car hurtled by! The new layout provides a good
Page 8
Maria Whightman in-let away from the flow of car-park traffic whilst also providing a safe place to stand, look and wait for a safe exit. The little back gate was also repaired at the same time. We have been told that the old gate was not closing properly due to kids swinging on it! Please, please lets all work together in making sure that the gate is properly and respectfully used, especially as the landlord will not cover the cost of this change. The WAC has not only taken responsibility in improving safety but has also invested it's funds greatly in terms of paying for this high standard improvement - so please lets all use it responsibly!
WAC on Track
LIBRARY NEWS
Judy Burckhardt
Hi All! There are lots more new DVD‟s to choose from. (See below.)
New DVD's:
The Adjustment Bureau --- Sci-fi, Romance, Action starring Matt Damon as a man who wants to change his Fate.
Yogi Bear --- 1st Movie of the picnic basket stealing bear. Yogi must help the Rangers save Jellystone Park from closing.
The King's Speech --- Great true story about how King George of England got over his stut ter.
Made in Dagenham DVD --- The true story of the 1st Women's Equal Rights (Equal Pay for Equal Work) Strike.
Black Swan --- Psychological thriller about a ballerina who goes to the fullest for her dual heroine/villain role in Swan Lake.
Rio --- When a rare Blue McCaw & his mate are stolen, can they escape & get back to freedom?
HOP --- The next in line for the role of Easter Bunny runs away to Hollywood because what he really wants to be is a drummer.
National Geographic Super Pride --- takes a look at one of Africa's most successful Lion Prides.
Leapfrog Letter Factory DVD--- This cartoon with a catchy song teaches children all the big letters & sounds of the alphabet. BBC Space DVD --- great adult documentary about Outer Space (learn more about black holes & asteroids).
New Children‟s Books: Bedtime for Frances by Hoban Magic School Bus Chapter Book on Germs Magic School Bus Chapter Book on Space Pilgrims 1st Thanksgiving by McGovern Who was Leonardo da Vinci? Who was Thomas Alva Edison?
Who was Walt Disney? Also if there is anyone who would like to volunteer Spirit --- Cartoon about how a wild mustang & on Tuesday mornings for the WAC Library, please Indian befriend each other in order to escape let the WAC Office know. We‟re always on the their captors look out for more volunteers. Thank you!!
Christmas party 2011 Don’t forget:
More volunteers = more fun we can organise for your children Looking forward to hearing from you: Mirjam, m_eglirohr@yahoo.com
Page 9
WOMEN’S ACTIVITY CLUB MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM 2010/11 Welcome to the WAC.. You have indicated a desire to be a member of this cooperative club which provides families with social and educational outlets. Please fill out the entire form .
1.
Personal Information Your Last Name __________________________
Partner’s Last Name __________________________
Your First Name __________________________
Partner’s First Name __________________________
Your Nationality __________________________
Partner’s Nationality __________________________
Current/Previous Occupation ________________
Partner’s Occupation __________________________
Children: Their Last Name: _________________ First Name: __________________ Birth date_________ First Name: _______________ Birth date__________ First Name: __________________ Birth date_________ First Name: _______________ Birth date__________ Street Address ___________________________________________________________________________ Postal Code _________ Town _________________Phone# __________________ Fax# ________________ Cell phone __________________________ Email ______________________________________________ Hobbies and talents that you may like to share with other members _________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ How did you hear about the WAC? ____________________________________________
2.
Membership Fees* (non-refundable): please tick the appropriate box:
WAC Full Membership WHOLE year (1st January— 31st December)
SFr. 160.-
WAC Full Membership HALF year (Jan—June, OR July—Dec) 90.WAC Associate Membership full year (Library use only)
*Note:
SFr. SFr.
90.-
The Membership fees are neither prorated nor refundable. A payment slip (Einzahlungsschein) will be sent to you. Please use this, as it allows our data system to accurately identify your payment. Membership is automatically renewed unless a written
cancellation is received. cancellation is received by
Cancellation or queries must be received by 10th December, via email to our Club Office Manager com@wac.ch. If no this date, your membership will be automatically renewed for the following year. Cancellation from the school is not an automatic cancellation from the Club. Contact com@wac.ch or write to: Women’s Activity Club Winterthurerstr. 18 8610 Uster
Tel.# 043 305 9250
Membership at the WAC allows for:
participation in our club activities ranging from a Preschool, Reading and Writing after school programs to kids social as well as educational programs. Depending on member requests and staffing, there are also adult education, social events and community activities*.
Newsletter 10 X year
Rental of designated club rooms
*The fees for such activities are posted in our newsletter, on our communication board, website or available from our Club Office Manager. No-show cancellation policy applies to events with posted deadlines. Social events and extracurricular courses are available to non-members at double the posted fee. Use of WAC premises is at your own risk, refer to WAC Handbook for details.
Page 10
WAC on Track
ZURIGIRL„S
Angela Menendez
Pack your Picnic Basket! Jet D’Eau Platform Picnics are a fun and inexpensive way to spend Location: The platform sits directly opposite the a sunny autumn day and with Zurich’s beautiful Jet D’Eau (big fountain in the Lake) between scenery it makes a perfect picnic city! Seebad Enge and Aqua Restaurant. You must Below you will find ZuriGirl’s recommendations take the path between the parked boats – it leads out to the platform. The Fountain and for Picnic Basket Essentials and our favorite Lion are the best landmarks to follow. Picnic Spots.
Zurigirl’s Picnic Basket Essentials: Paper Utensils and Napkins Plastic Glasses Cooler iPod / Mini Speakers Sunscreen Blankets (dark colors incase of grass / dirt stains)
Description: The Jet D’Eau platform is an excellent picnic spot for smaller groups with babies (not recommended for toddlers as very close to waters edge). This is not a grassy area so bring a few blankets. The platform sits directly over the Lake with the marina on one side of your feet and the water on the other! When it gets too hot, you can jump right in so wear your bathing suit! Free toilets are available across from Seebad Enge. ZuriGirl’s reason to picnic here: Amazing lake, mountain and city views!
Garbage Bag Food Covers (to protect against bugs) Pre Sliced, easy to eat foods that won’t perish in the sun. Ideas include: fresh bread; pre-sliced home Italian deli meats; pre-sliced hard cheeses (soft cheese melt to easily) cubed watermelon; grapes; pretzels & chips with dips Warm spiced tea and hot chocolate (keep warm in a thermos) Change of clothes / rain boots in case the kids find a puddle to jump in Activity Games: football, badminton set, skipping rope, Frisbee, trivia games, collecting and jumping into leaves Camera
ZuriGirl’s Favorite Picnic Locations – Our locations cover each side of the lake and highlight both popular and quieter locations to help suit everyone’s needs!
Page 11
Lakeside Promenade Location: Lake front! Adjacent to the Bellevue transport hub and behind the Opera House. Google Map. Description: The Lakeside Promenade provides intriguing entertainment for your picnic! It is an extremely high traffic area attracting tons of people, cyclists, street performers, rollerbladers and, in July, a great view of the diving board. There are some grassy areas for groups, but you usually find most people sitting along the pier with their feet dangling over the water. It can be difficult to find a spot as it is very crowded on sunny days.
various levels throughout so you can work off that Brie! This is a perfect area for large families as it is very spread out and there are shady and sunny spots. Plus the toilets and bus are both very close making it a stress free day! ZuriGirl’s reason to picnic here: Upgrade to a BBQ. There are several open pits available on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Rieterpark Location: Adjacent to Museum Rietberg with easy access to Bahnof Enge and Lake Zurich. Google Map.
Description: Rieterpark is an 83,000 sq yd park boasting beautifully landscaped gardens and a big sandbox for the kids to jump in. There’s plenty of grassy areas for large groups and if you are a picnic of only 2, several benches sit Rumensee along the tree-lined exterior and on a clear day, Location: In the Kusnacht area, above Lake Zu- they provide excellent views of the Alps! rich. Google Map. ZuriGirl’s reason to picnic here: It reminds us of Description: The Rumensee is a great place to a charming English garden and has a wonderful picnic before exploring the forest’s many Wan- sense of peacefulness. derwegs. There are plenty of walking trails for ZuriGirl’s reason to picnic here: People Watching!
Do you have a little drama queen or king? The WAC has just the place to hone those skills. Dagmar Loubier, an experienced actress and theater instructor welcomes children aged 5 and up to explore the world of drama and theater through improvisation, role-play, fantasy and creativity. The
children will use body language, language, voice, rhythm, and the many different possibilities of expressing themselves on stage. The objectives of the class include joy in learning, growing self-confidence and also social skills by acting in and as a group on stage and backstage. The class will create its own production for the end of the term including costumes, stage settings, etc, and all from their own imagination! This class would be held on Monday or Tuesday afternoons with a minimum of 6 participants. If you are interested, please contact Jennifer at com@wac.ch.
Page 12
WAC on Track
Disclaimer: Members, their families and guests are reminded that participation in WAC activities is entirely on their own discretion and/or risk. Neither the Women’s Activity Club nor its representatives shall be held responsible for damage, injury or loss incurred by the use of Club property or participation in club events.
Cancellation Policy: WAC's goal is to provide as many cost conscientious events and courses to our members as possible without incurring financial losses. Except where specifically stated, a No-Show Policy is in effect for all courses and events at the WAC. Please observe the deadline and cut-off dates before canceling or withdrawing from such activities. Cancellations after the deadline will be charged in full.
Playgroups
Page 13
THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT : A PLACE TO LEARN AND TO HAVE FUN
Page 14
WAC on Track
Cancellation Policy:
WAC's goal is to provide as many cost
conscientious events and courses to our members as possible without incurring financial losses. Except where specifically stated, a No-Show Policy is in effect for all courses and events at the WAC. Please observe the deadline and cut-off dates before canceling or withdrawing from such activities. Cancellations after the deadline will be charged in full.
Disclaimer: Members, their families and guests are reminded that participation in WAC activities is entirely on their own discretion and/or risk. Neither the Womenâ€&#x;s Activity Club nor its representatives shall be held responsible for damage, injury or loss incurred by the use of Club property or participation in club events.
Welcome Breakfast for New Members If you have recently joined the WAC, and want to know more about our programs, I invite you for breakfast from 9 to 11 am to be announced on board . Please come and share a moment with me, and meet some of the members. Confirm to me (Ana Wymann ) at : acledesma3@gmx.ch or call me 055 534 00 58 .
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON COFFEE & CAKE ! A home-made cake, made by the baking talents of the WAC will be placed in the WAC kitchen on a weekly basis. Everyone can enjoy the nice taste of home-made baking for a very reasonable price while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea any time you are at the WAC and feel like it. Come and try it yourself. If you want, you can even take some home so your family can enjoy a taste too. Fresh cakes will be placed in the WAC Kitchen every Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00pm. BAKING TALENTS NEEDED If you like baking and know some good recipes, please contact Helen Mylius 044 915 4962. The cost of baking will be reimbursed. Thank you in advance!
Page 15
Courses @ the WAC
English
Belly
Dancing
Ladies
Swimming
Kids 3 – ca. 10 yrs old
Ballet/ Tap Kids
Beginner / Intermediate Swimmers
For Current Schedule check the WOT Calendar! Disclaimer: Members, their families and guests are reminded that participation in WAC activities is entirely on their own discretion and/or risk. Neither the WAC nor its representatives shall be held responsible for damage, injury or loss incurred by the use of Club property or participation in club events.
Page 16
For Info on Swimming contact Debbie at wacswimming@yahoo.com For other Info contact Jennifer at com@wac.ch or 043 305 9250
Cancellation Policy: WAC’s goal is to provide as many cost conscientious events and courses to our members as possible without incurring financial losses. Except where specifically stated, a NoShow Policy is in effect for all courses and events at the WAC. Please read the terms and conditions of your contract and only sign if you agree to them.
WAC on Track
English children„s books at very Mothering Matters is a non-profit, bi-monthly journal for Englishspeaking parents living in Switzerland with articles and information on child-rearing topics, suggestions and practical tips for child-related activities. A year‟s subscription costs SFr. 33. For more information, or to subscribe, go to
www.mmjournal.com
affordable prices. See the brochures in the clubroom. Orders are processed on the 10th of every month. All orders help us get free books and learning material for our School. All enquires to Helen Mylius 044 915 4962 myliushinardi@hotmail.com
ROOM RENTALS THE WAC DAY EXCURSION BOOK
For
information on renting the WAC„s facilities, please contact:
COM 043 305 9250 com@wac.ch
For all those excursions around Zurich and beyond, don„t forget the revised WAC Excursion Book, listing great days out in and around the Zurich ar ea.
Available from the office or library for just 15 SFr.
Page 17
April Koller
RECIPE
Sopa Ranchera A hint of lime and a sprinkling of Mexican cheese and cilantro put the finishing touches on this regional specialty.
Ingredients SOUP:
TOPPINGS:
1 tsp vegetable oil
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 c chopped onion
2/3 c chopped cilantro
½ tsp dried oregano
2/3 c sour cream
½ tsp ground cumin
2/3 c shredded cheddar
1 garlic clove, minced
Lime wedges
6 c chicken or veggie stock 1 ¾ c cubed, peeled baking potato 1 can (15 oz) chick peas, drained 2 c shredded, cooked chicken breast 1 c whole-kernel corn ¾ tsp salt 1 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced 1 can diced tomatoes 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation To prepare soup, heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté 3 minutes Add oregano, cumin and garlic; sauté 1 min Add chicken stock, potato and chickpeas; bring to a boil, and cook 5 min Add chicken, corn, salt and zucchini; cook 5 min Stir in tomato and cilantro; cook 2 min Ladle 1 c soup into each of 10 bowls and top with 1 tbsp each of the toppings. Serve with lime wedges.
Page 18
WAC on Track
GIRLS„ CLUB NEWS
Nilsa Stettler-Padilla
Autumn Leaves and Beautiful voices; a As a special surprise we were fortunate to welcome Laura Anne Ayres, Soprano opera singer. She harvest of plenty The Dolphins and Diamonds: Octoberâ€&#x;s meeting held for us a beautiful autumn day with plenty of fall color. We had the opportunity to explore our local forest, identify the most commonly found trees matching leaf shape, type of tree and color combinations. The questions we answered were: Why do we have autumn? Why do the leaves change color? What is a seed? What is a nut? How do they transport themselves? The snack time provided a large variety of fruits and nuts. We examined differences in seed size, the individual form of seed transport and most importantly their taste. Such a wonderful topic deserves an amazing craft. In this case we had two: Leaf Fairies and an Autumn Loom. Our goals are to have activities that not only harmonize with the topic but provide age appropriate crafts that develop eye-hand coordination skills and artistic expression. We welcome to our Dolphin group: Isabel Baudille.
took time out of her busy schedule to share her career path and coach the girls in a few singing techniques. Laura Anne performs internationally and if you are curious to hear her sing try: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ra7U547z-w
Our next meeting is Nov 12th 2011 Time: 9:30noon at the WAC. Topic: International diversity, the meaning of sharing Snack provided. 6 SFr members and 12 SFr nonmembers Special excursion for those interested: The Nutcracker Ballet Nov 5 and 6th 2011 http://www.kibameilen.ch/aktuelle-projekte
Note: In order to keep the meetings interactive and exciting and prevent classroom size numbers the group size is limited and now full. Thanks for your trust Nilsa Stettler (nilsa@e-wideweb.com) and Jana Parkin (jtparkin@msn.com )
Page 19
Alice Knöpfel
READERS GONE WACky
The Readers Gone WACky look forward to a great season of reading. On November 23 the group will discuss Cleopatra –a Life by Stacy Schiff. Her life spanned fewer than 40 years, but she was the last Egyptian pharaoh and one of the most influential women of the age. She married twice, each time to a brother; she poisoned one and waged a war against the other. To this day, the life of Cleopatra VII (69-30 B.C.) intrigues us. This adept biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff tells us why it should. The true story of the woman behind the myth. Along with the beloved annual White Elephant Holiday celebration on December 14 the readers will discuss Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls. Lily Casey Smith, this novel's feisty Texas protagonist, is a frontier teacher, a rancher, a rodeo rider, a poker player, and bootlegger. In Half Broke Horses, she survives droughts, tornados, floods, poverty, and whatever else fate can throw against her. Based on author Jeannette Walls's grandmother, Lily is a plausible character because she has a voice that synchronizes with her history. This novel lives up to the still gathering acclaim for Walls's novel The Glass Castle. In January the group looks forward to a discussion on Laura Hillenbrand‟s Unbroken. On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War. The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown. Telling an unforgettable story of a man’s journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit Meetings are at 20:00 in the WAC lounge. New members are welcome at any time! Please call Alice Knoepfel (044 9122326) aknoepfel@swissonline.ch or Ursula Berger (043 833 9883) ursula.berger@hispeed.ch for more information.
Page 20
WAC on Track
BUSINESS
Jennifer Langkjaer
Courses for Kids and Grown-Ups Too! Autumn is here, and our courses for kids and adults are running along quite smoothly. Our offerings include a mix of the tried and true, as well as some interesting new options. For children we continue to hold our very popular Saturday morning ballet classes with Miss Louisa. The class is almost full, but there are a couple of places left for any budding young dancers. We also have enough students to run our Friday afternoon ballet classes under the tutelage of So-Young Hechler. The WAC has a unique opportunity to begin a drama class for children ages 5 and up. Dagmar Loubier, and accomplished actress and professional drama instructor, is available on Monday orTuesday afternoons to run this class. We still need a few more students to get this class up and running. Our adults are continuing to enjoy belly dancing with Anisa on Monday evenings, and for the energetic among us, Ana is now running Zumba on Wednesday evenings. Both courses have spaces available. The English as a Second Language group with Kate EĂŽbeck still meets each Thursday morning. If you are interested in any of the courses offered at the WAC, contact Jennifer at com@wac.ch to schedule a free trial class. Always be sure to check the bulletin boards to see what might be of interest to you and your family.
Page 21
Page 22
WAC on Track
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
ZUMBA
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
BALLET
7-8pm
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
10-11 am
ENGLISH 9.15-10.45 am
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
SWIMMING
ZUMBA
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
BALLET
3-9 years old
7-8pm
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
10-11 am
BELLY DANCING
ENGLISH
GIRL„S CLUB
9.15-10.45 am
9.30-12.00 am
6.30-7.30 pm
BOY„S CLUB 9.30-12.00 am
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
SWIMMING
ZUMBA
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
BALLET
3-9 years old
7-8pm
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
10-11 am
ENGLISH
MOVIE NIGHT
9.15-10.45 am
6.00-8.00pm
23
24
25
26
SWIMMING
ZUMBA
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
BALLET
3-9 years old
7-8pm
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
10-11 am
BELLY
BOOKCLUB
ENGLISH
@ 8pm
9.15-10.45 am
BELLY DANCING 6.30-7.30 pm 20
21
22
DANCING 6.30-7.30 pm
27
28
29
30
SWIMMING
ZUMBA
3-9 years old
7-8pm
BELLY DANCING 6.30-7.30 pm
Page 23
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
BALLET
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
10-11 am
ENGLISH
BOY„S CLUB
9.15-10.45 am
9.30-12.00am GIRL„S CLUB 9.30-12.00 am
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
SWIMMING
ZUMBA
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
BALLET
3-9 years old
7-8pm
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
10-11 am
17
BELLY
ENGLISH
DANCING
9.15-10.45 am
6.30-7.30 pm 11
12
WAC XMASS PARTY 1.30-4.00 pm
13
14
15
16
SWIMMING
ZUMBA
PLAYGROUP
BALLET
3-9 years old
7-8pm
9.30-11.30 am
4-5 pm
BELLY
BOOKCLUB
ENGLISH
@ 8pm
9.15-10.45 am
21
22
DANCING 6.30-7.30 pm
18
19
20
23
24
30
31
WAC CLOSED FOR 25
26
27
28
29
THE HOLIDAYS„ SEASON
Page 24
WAC on Track