A M a g a z i n e f o r t h e W o m e n o f H o n g K o n g • A p r i l 2 0 1 6

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The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. Established in 1956A volunteer organization of women of all nationalities supporting Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants, while providing educational and social activities for members.

AWArE ProducTion TEAm

EdiTorlindsey Gordonaware@awa.org.hk

AssisTAnT EdiTorAngela Bellas

GrAPHicsJacky NganFahima Ahmad

PHoToGrAPHYFahima Ahmad

AdvErTisinG mAnAGEradvertising@awa.org.hk

PubLisHEd & PrinTEd bYr&r publishing ltd.2126 7812info@rrpublishing.com.hkwww.rrpublishing.com.hk

Membership 3Dream Home 6Art on the Line 8WOW 10Tanvi's Top Ten 11Chinese Etiquette 12AWA in the 70's 14Hong Kong Stories 16Smart Appliances 17Treasure Hunter 18Tsz Shan 19Asian Tours 20Sevens Heaven 22 Calendar of Events 23Local Tours and Activities 24Ongoing Activities 28Contact Information 29

Visit the AWA Website: www.awa.org.hk like us on fAcebook: www.facebook.com/awahk

folloW us on tWitter: @AWA_hk folloW us on instAgrAm: @AWA_hkAny opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk.the AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance.copyright 2014. the content of the Aware publication is the property of the American Women's Association.reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. information from within the publicationmay not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.

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The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. The AWA office will be closed for public holiday on Monday April 4

Contents

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It’s April, and the Hong Kong ‘Spring’ is upon us. As we say farewell to March, I want to offer a hearty congratulations to Regine Pocsatko and Lisa Strunin and their Art on the Line team for another amazing evening of art and charity on March 10th, netting the AWA charitable fund over HK $250k. From the time the doors opened at

6pm with a crowd waiting outside, until the time the silent auction bidding closed at 9:30pm, The Space was overrun with both art and people. Well done, ladies and many thanks to all of you who attended and purchased art.

The AWA never slows down, and April is no exception. On the 12th of this month, we have the long awaited return of our Home & Garden tour. Don’t miss the opportunity to glimpse into some of Hong Kong’s finest homes. There are still a few

places available, so register today.

On April 13th from 12-1:30pm please come to the AWA office for pizza and the AWA Annual General Meeting (AGM). We need a quorum of members so please spend your lunch with us - eat, socialize and attend a brief meeting, at which we will vote in the new slate of Board Members for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. A big thank you goes out to our Board Nominating Committee who worked hard at rounding up nominations, conducting interviews and selecting a final slate of board nominees.

Finally, I want to continue to emphasize our need for your help in recruiting members into the AWA – something that was featured in last month’s AWAre magazine. We are always in need of members and our organization is richer for it. So please ask your friends to join. If you meet someone new to Hong Kong, let them know about us. Get their name and contact information and myself or Sharon Mason would be happy to send them a personal email inviting them to CHAT or OWL or a neighborhood coffee. And as ever, thank you for your help!

Have a wonderful April, and Happy Spring.

Marcy LaRont AWA President

I’m calling this one the ‘homey’ issue in anticipation of the upcoming Homes and Gardens Tour. I get very excited about interior design, so there’s nothing I like more than having ‘a good butcher’s’ around somebody else’s gorgeous pad. I am always on the look out for fresh ideas and ‘inspo’ to add to all the other stuff in the file marked ‘Dream Home’ which I keep in my head. Sigh, one day… anyway, have you signed up for the tour yet?

In Treasure Hunter, Rachel Parker has some excellent advice for us home-loving expats: If you see it and you love it, buy it (if your pocket permits). I’ve lost count of all the times I’ve ‘ummed and ahhed’ over something and

then wished I’d bought it later. If a thing gives you joy, what price on that?

Have you ever wondered where to buy a pink wig or a goldfish in Hong Kong? If so, you’ll find Tanvi’s Top Ten Street Markets indispensable reading. And a pink wig might come in handy if you’re thinking about going to the Rugby Sevens this month. Shelda’s Sevens Heaven will help if you need to brush up on your

knowledge of the game. It’s not just for the men!

Read any good books lately? Neither has Claudia. She wasn’t very impressed with Janice Y.K. Lee’s new novel ‘The Expatriates’ which doesn’t do much for our image as HK expat wives.

Enjoy this issue of AWAre and remember, if you feel like being a part of it, do please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Oh well. Time to put on my diamond tiara and head off to the Peninsula for high with the other expat ladies. As if!

Lindsey GordonAWAre Editor

From the President From the Editor

W E l c o m E

Register nowThe AWA Annual General Meeting will be on Wednesday April 13, 12:00-1:30pm

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Owl (Out with the ladies) Come join us any week or every week - same time, same place (except public holidays). WHErE: Oolaa 20 Bridges Street, Soho WHEn: Every Tuesday, 5:30pm – 7:30pm COOrDInATOr: Susie Edrington, susie1031e@gmail.com

welcome New MembersSara AndersonDeanna Gulley KatzJudy WongCourtney DucanoisSusan Soskin WestChristine SimmsGretchen GharrettJosephine OswaldSandra NeumannHeather GillJennifer Lo

Liz SienaElisabeth CarlbarkRenee HoltenKatherine TwellsPenny SoderJulie MadsenKathryn OrrAna RamosElisabeth ChouraquiLiza Beighley

the AWA (American Women’s Association) is a dynamic community of women of all nationalities, with over 800 members from 36 countries. We are sure you will find your niche through our diverse range of activities, events and opportunities to volunteer. All women are welcome – do join us!

current members – you are our best ambassadors. Please introduce new arrivals and old friends to AWA – over wine at oWl, at a neighborhood coffee, a WoW event, or encourage them to attend chAt. AWA’s vision is that all women can connect with us and develop a rich, satisfying and purposeful life in hong kong.

Joining AWA is easy via our website at: awa.org.hk or call 2527 2961.

m E m B E r s h i p

CHAT (Come Have a Talk)WHEn: Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon (except public holidays) WHErE: Café 8, Rooftop of Pier 8, above the

Maritime Museum. COST: No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal

expense)COOrDInATOr: Diane Lamboley 9020 9385 dmlamboley@hotmail.com

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m E m B E r s h i p

Neighborhood CoffeesIf you live, work or play in any of the following neighborhoods, join others in your area for a monthly coffee. Meet new friends or catch up with old ones, discuss and plan new activities. Contact your local coordinator for details of forthcoming coffees.

HK SOuTHSIDE Walli Seegar, walli.inhk@gmail.comSandra Gallaudet, s.gallaudet919@gmail.com

POK Fu LAM AnD SHOuSOn HILLAnnie Fifer, annefifer@gmail.com

DISCOvEry BAy Izumi Ikeda, Izume.Ikeda@gmail.com

SAI KUNGKatherine Fenton, klfone@aol.com

KOWLOOn Jane Buck, ForJBuck@aol.com Susan Trebach, shtrebach@gmail.com

HK CEnTrAL/MID LEvELSKathy Barber, kathy71356@aol.com

Foon YingWHEn/ WHErE: 20 & 27 April, 4 May Please check website for details COOrDInATOrS: Chrissie Govier, chrissie.govier@gmail.com Kate Mahjoubian, katemahjoubian@gmail.comCOST: No fee but registration is required"Foon Ying" means "welcome" in Cantonese and what better welcome than to embark on a social adventure designed to foster new Hong Kong friendships. This informal program takes the guesswork out of finding your feet by designing fun activities for your group, sharing experiences and building your “guanxi” or "network." Your commitment? Attend all three sessions over three weeks, be open to exploring your new environment and meeting great people. Join and enjoy!

Mandarin Teacher HK

Mandarin Summer Camp

T:+852 2982 0919 M:+852 61179980 E: info@mandarinteacher.hk

Mandarin Nanny Service

Rm 603, 6/F, Yau Sing Building,120-122 Wing Lok Street , Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Summer CoursesMandarin OneTo One Groups

Web: www.mandarinteacher.hk

April 2016 AWArE 5

A W A E N J o y s

Pub Quiz

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WE’vE LIvED In this apartment for 18 months now and I’ve only just discovered a switch on the toilet that heats the seat. It’s a Toto toilet - I’ve never had one before so I wasn’t aware of its true potential and anyway, who reads toilet instructions? Actually, I’ve always found it slightly irritating because it has a mind of its own – the seat lifts up and down willy nilly whether there’s anyone near it or not. I like the 30 ltr or 60 ltr flush option though, and the self-cleaning wand is fun to watch if totally ineffectual. I have no strong feelings about the ‘massage’ or ‘oscillating’ modes – other than mild amusement - but now that I have found the hot seat I’m really feeling the love - especially when I forget its there and get a lovely, warm surprise every time I pay a visit.

When we lived in Mumbai, there was a showerhead attached to the wall next to the loo, which I found very refreshing. The water pressure was high and I vowed to have one of these in my ‘forever’ home – however far in the dim and distant future that might be.

Other people would keep all these ideas on their Pinterest boards but I’m not that organized and anyway, I don’t need to ‘cos its all in my head. If you were to have a rummage around in there, you’d find, amongst all the cotton wool and images of Leonardo diCaprio (my secret love), a ‘file’ marked: Stuff for the Future Dream Home. This ‘file’ contains pictures of a free standing copper bath; an Inglenook Fireplace; an Aga; The Farrow and Ball colour chart; a showerhead on a wall next to a toilet (with excellent water pressure) and now, a new entry…. ta dah…a heated toilet seat.

Am I getting a bit carried away here? Heated toilet seats

Dream HomeBy Lindsey Gordon

F E A t u r E

and adjacent high-pressure showerheads? Where will my aspirations end? A man standing outside the door offering me a hot towel and a mint as I come out? (Preferably ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ era Leo)?! Today in the supermarket I was confronted with a wall of a thousand different brands of toilet paper and I chose a scented one. Goodness me! More than half of all Indian households don’t even have a toilet and here am I sitting on my hot seat like Lady Muck with loo roll that smells of roses. Aren’t we all lucky? – We were born in the right place at the right time. Because that’s all it is: luck- that’s the only reason any of this is available to us.

And as expats, we are luckier than most because we get to see how other people live. We can experience their world for a bit, hopefully broadening our own horizons at the same

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time. We can take away the things that we like, ideas and friendships as well as the odd stick of furniture. From India I take as my souvenir the friendly, open and generous people I met there everyday; I take my love of south Indian cuisine – especially dosas. I take the ‘pink and orange’ colour combo and, of course, the showerhead next to the loo idea. From Hong Kong I take super efficiency, respect for culture, tradition and family and definitely the hot toilet seat (oh, and perhaps a Forbidden City table and a couple of Foo dogs) I might never have known about many or all of these things had I never left England.

I’ve had quite a few different homes – mostly high up in the clouds - in three different countries over the past few years and I have seen some amazing things from the windows of each of them. Kites with enormous wingspans swooping through the air; hundreds of people gathering for prayer below; mass dog fights and huge container vessels silently gliding by. Some of it awesome, some of it awful, but all of it very different to the grass verge I used to see every morning when I opened the curtains before we moved overseas.

OK, so I don’t have a permanent home now and I can’t plant bulbs or put up wallpaper and as a home bird that hurts. However, I have collected, over the years, a few choice items like the massive cabinet from Kolkata and the doorframe from Jodhpur that I had made in to a mirror. I can now add to the

collection a beautiful vibrant cerise rug, which has been taunting me from the window of Lane Crawford all month. To be honest, it looks old and worn but for me that is the appeal. A Swedish friend described it as ‘bedagad skönhet’ when I showed her – which is a good thing. Now the Lane Crawford rug lives with the Kolkata cabinet and the Jodhpur doorframe, one day to be introduced to the old Grandfather clock who currently lives in storage. Not only do most of the pieces have their own history, they are now a part of mine.

I don’t think I’ll ever regret my days as an expat even though I have missed my friends and family

and a permanent home to keep my stuff in. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve tried to look for things, like the secateurs for example – did I have them in India? Are they in storage, lost in transit or at the bottom of the ocean? Anyway, not being able to find stuff is a small

price to pay. There’s plenty of time to settle down in one place in the future and to be honest,

once I’ve got my Cole and Son wallpaper up and painted the kitchen Wimborne White (Farrow and Ball

No. 239) I’ll be twiddling my thumbs anyway. No, much better to keep on trucking, collecting memories,

stories and unusual and beautiful things to surround myself with for the few good years before they put me in a care home. It’s all about the journey, not the destination after all and hopefully, in the future, one of my great-great grandchildren will be polishing the Kolkata cabinet or vaccing the ‘bedagad skönhet’ rug and might find some joy in them. They might pause to wonder about the batty old woman who lugged all this stuff back home and her long-suffering husband who let it to happen.

F E A t u r E

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Sandra Chung Wendy Leung Laura Zhang Claire Billson Ka Yu Chan Theodora Whittington Rachel Smith Katie Dawson Yuki Aruga Melody Yiu Carolina Kollman Brigitte Figueiras Anji Connell Yui Ching Helena Cheng Helen Miiasoey Ophelia Jacarini Kiyoko Yamaguchi Megumi Takami Monica Hemrajani Zenith Chan Prity Tibrewal Irene Hui Louise Soloway Chan Amber Chan Violet Shum Carol Lee Helen Bronte Boyd Sai Wah Fung Mei Nga Cicada Shum Kat J Weiss Emily Eldridge Mjailai Margaret Goeden Ze Ze Lai Rainbow Tse Kyle Raynal Christie Chan Kinga Owczennikow Jane Kwong Cynthia Cheung Adele Foster Pui Ngo Lau Elaine Chiu Eleanor McColl Nandini Hawley Lori Foster Jiana Ma Charlotte Zhong Gladys Ng Carolyn Yoshida Leona Apps Kate Baumgartner Nicole Chow Virginia Lo Ayumi Adachi Marie Pottiez Stella Pang Joey Ka Yin Leung Scarlette Cheng

Sharon Mason Rielle Yap Ong Ann Ng Yin Lam Wendy Jahnke Bonnie Bajaj Alyson O’Neal Karla Roldan Grace Tam Laura Simonsen Winnie Sie Davies Annie G Fung Ying Tammy Tam Sarah Bent Lee O’Neal Sophie Tunik Antoinette Wysocki Carmen Lai Ping Cheung Nina Pryde Kwai Fan Chan Kam-Ying Mok Sharon Grosse Josephine Cheng Queenie Chan Amy Tai Sindy Lau Koey Ho Yi Kwok Jianne Soriano Rheanne Winstanley Meimei Ho Rochelle Harina Anthea Lovett Samantha Ng Ann Passmore Carol Ho Kitty Wong Pirate Antonella Giardinelli Leah Clough Karina Ye Angela Tao Bao Ho Mary-Louise Boulanger 168 Gallery Belinda Bath Kumiko Matsushima Jaen Ching Ng Marybeth Coffer Jessica Cheung Fanny Tang Jeannette Hensinger Grace Ho Elise van Stolk Barbora Mayer Xyza Cruz Bacani Ning Yu Ngai Nora Schlenzinger Mila Furstova Vanessa Wong Hok Kan Pun

Thank you to our artists!

AprilAWAre.indd 1 16/3/16 5:02 pm

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F E A t u r EA glorious multi-colored evening for charity

Art on the Line (AOTL), the AWA’s international exhibition and charity art sale, held March 10, was a rousing success!

Hong Kong’s largest exhibit of art by female amateur and professional artists, surpassed last year’s event fundraising mark, netting at least $250,000HKD for the AWA’s Charity Fund.

For one extraordinary evening “The Space” on Hollywood Rd. was transformed by the display of hundreds of paintings, sketches, collages, prints, photographs and other art work donated by more than 125 women artists from Hong Kong and around the world.

Much of the artwork was hung, unframed, on ropes echoing the clotheslines so visible across Hong Kong. Larger, framed featured pieces were sold by Silent Auction. And throughout the remarkable event Bao Ho, a renowned street artist, painted a

“It was an evening to remember!” declared AWA President Marcy LaRont. “Our deepest thanks go to the talented artists who so generously gave us their work for sale. And to the AWA team of dedicated volunteers who pulled this all together!”

Thank you to Santa Fe Relocations for the generous event sponsorship and logistical support. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank you to Bowerbird Home for its generous support with the donation of their signature blue and white porcelain.

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Sam I AmDO yOu HAvE a friend named Sam, Samantha or Samuel? It seems most people do and that’s how this ‘friendly’ name was chosen for a Hong Kong tour company, ‘Sam the Local.’

Co-founders Anita Chan and Maggie Lau spent evenings and weekends researching and trying out ideas for possible business models. Mostly consumer-focused, it took a few years to land on a blend of ideas resulting in “Sam the Local, your ‘local’ friend, world-wide.’” From one hour to a full day, the company customizes tours directly to your interests. With 50 tour guides who speak 12 languages, you can create a tour on just about any topic.

Anita Chan and I talked about starting a company, vetting new employees, plans for world domination, and advice for other entrepreneurs. Check out this lively entrepreneur’s interview via podcast at https://www.awa.org.hk/activities/working-women.

Key to the success of their startup is the amount of research done on the idea. They talked with friends and family, attended networking events, looked into other companies and identified possible gaps. Anita admits it’s difficult to hear that a dream is just that, but real feedback made the path more obvious over time. It took nearly two years for ‘Sam the Local’ to launch, but it has grown exponentially in a short amount of time.

Anita said: A good entrepreneur learns, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” To overcome a knowledge deficit in startups, Anita and Maggie attended the Founder Institute, a world-wide 14 week intensive program designed to blast founders to the finish line with a product and a pitch. Now they’ve started a video segment on YouTube and have plans to expand into locales such as Tokyo, Taipei and Seoul.

Sam the Local is offering 10% off to AWA members – just enter ‘awarocks’ as the promo code.

By Mary Barbara Hanna

April 2016 AWArE 11

I want to feel, sunlight on my faceSee that dust cloud disappear without a traceI want to take shelter from the never-ending rainIn the streets of Hong Kong with their self-explanatory names

I am borrowing heavily from an old classic to start this story. Nevertheless what I say is true. Hong Kong feels great when after a heavy downpour the dust settles and the whole city has this fresh, new-ish feel to it. It’s at these times, that it’s a good idea to grab your Octopus card and your umbrella (in case the weather Gods change their minds again) and head to one of the several unique street markets in the city, each with its own inimitable charm.

Here are my Top 10:1. Pottinger Street: A stone-steps street in the heart of

Central, this is the place to head to for all things costume. Hong Kong loves costumes and everything from Halloween to Rugby Sevens is a reason to play fancy dress. This street has everything from pink wigs to clown masks. You really can be anyone you want to be.

2. Western Market: I discovered this little slice of craft DIY heaven when I started making plush toys for my baby. Technically not a street, it is an Edwardian-style building dating back to 1906. Today it houses merchants selling all manner of fabrics, art and craft.

3. Lee Yuen Street (East and West) – two parallel lanes tucked away in Central, these are Hong Kong’s answer to Kowloon’s Ladies Market. You will find shops selling souvenirs, table linen, shoes and a zillion other everyday things. A cut-label paradise for kids’ clothes.

4. Wanchai Computer city (Hennessy Road): Again, not a street as such but a mall that boasts row upon row of shops selling all things digital from fit-bits to PCs. Walk

around since every second shop will stock what you want. Get a quote from a couple of vendors and then engage them in a bidding war. It works. And even if it doesn’t, it’s still fun.

5. Goldfish market: A street brimming with the most exotic fish and aquarium supplies. You will find a gasp-inducing range in aquatic life here from goldfish (you guessed it) to turtles, frogs and even reptiles.

6. Flower market: Located next to the Goldfish market, it’s a street filled with shops selling flowers and potted plants. It’s one of the few places in this busy city of mine, where you will literally stop and smell the flowers. It truly is a sight to behold, as beautifully pruned bonsai, lilies and orchids all compete for your attention.

7. Toys street (Tai Yuen): In the heart of Wanchai, this is an absolute treasure trove of affordable toys and party supplies for kids of all ages. I bought a Thomas the Tank Engine set for a two-year old, a Duplo for a four-year old, and a remote-controlled model car for a 30-year old.

8. Sneakers Street: As the name suggests, this street has vendors selling all the famous sportswear brands. The prices are more often than not about the same as anywhere else, but the range is mind-boggling from the latest to limited editions.

9. Jade market: A covered market with countless stalls selling jade in Kowloon. It’s a strict case of caveat emptor though, so unless you know your real jade from you’re your fake jade, beware!

10. Stanley Main Street Market: This one is a bit too tourist-y, selling more souvenirs and kitschy art than any other place in Hong Kong. But its next to a beach, has some good food to offer, a vibrant feel to it, and sometimes, just sometimes hidden between a mahjong set and a dancing minion, you will find a real gem for the home. Ok, ok, I know this is supposed to be a Top 10 but I couldn’t leave out SSP, could I? Sham Shui Po is a tenacious shopper’s paradise located in a working class neighborhood, with street on street specializing in anything your heart desires. To name a couple there is Ki Lung Street that houses several fabric stalls and Fuk Wing Street that has party favors, stationery and toys. And don’t forget Dried Seafood Street, Cat Street … this list really could go on and on and on…

Tanvi’s Top 10… Street Markets of Hong Kong

F E A t u r E

By Tanvi Gupta

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IF yOu HAvE nOT lived in Asia before, relocating to Hong Kong means learning about the local etiquette and customs. These can be very different from what you are used to and so below is a brief overview of some of them.

When you first arrive you may find it shocking when someone refers to your weight as in the west we would never make such personal comments but here you may find such comments commonplace. Also commonly discussed is money; people will ask you how much rent you pay, how much you paid for an item, how much you earn, also your age, marital status and number of children. If you don’t want to answer these questions then just change the subject.

Many festivals are celebrated in Hong Kong and the dates change each year since they are determined by the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year (January or February) is a colourful spring harvest festival with much symbolism: flowers (orange trees signify wealth), plentiful food (candy for a sweet life), new clothes and a time to spring clean out your home (sweep out the bad luck).

The Chinese believe in ancestor worship and both Ching Ming (April) and Chung Yeung (October) are dates for grave sweeping where members of the family go to their ancestors’ graves to clean them up and give offerings such as burning paper in the shape of everyday items (money, food, furniture)

A BRIEF GUIDE TO

F E A t u r E

CHINESE ETIQUETTEAND CUSTOMS

By Farnces Nicholls

April 2016 AWArE 13

F E A t u r E

that are ‘sent’ via the smoke to their relatives in the after world.Dragon Boat (June) also known as Tuen Ng is one of the

most well-known festivals in Hong Kong next to Chinese New Year. At this time Dragon Boat teams compete in various locations including Stanley and East Tsim Sha Tsui. One of the traditional Chinese foods eaten during this festival is a sticky rice dumpling with various fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves in the shape of a triangular pyramid.

During the evening of the Mid-autumn festival (August or September) families have picnics under the biggest and brightest full moon. They also carry paper and plastic lanterns celebrating this time of year. Mooncakes (traditionally made from pastry, whole boiled egg yolk and lotus paste) are eaten - but be warned - they are very rich and very sweet!

GIFTSLai See (red packets) are given out at weddings and

Chinese New Year. New notes (not coins) are placed in the lai see but the amount must never have a four in it as the Cantonese word for four also sounds like the word for death. Lai See packets, like business cards, are presented and received with two hands as a sign of respect.

DO NOT give watches or clocks as gifts such as these signify the passing of time and so are associated with death (I think there may be an exception for a Rolex)

Also DO NOT give white flowers, particularly lilies, as these are also associated with funerals and death.

EATINGDO NOT place your chopsticks sticking vertically out of

your rice bowl as this resembles incense burning and symbolizes ‘feeding’ the dead and death in general.

Since the outbreak of SARS, serving chopsticks (frequently a different colour than the ones you are using to eat with) may be provided on your table for hygiene purposes.

In Asia ‘clearing your plate’ means you haven’t had enough and are still hungry, so leave some food indicating that your host has provided you with enough food. To indicate you have finished eating rest your chopsticks flat on the top of your bowl.

Slurping soup or noodles and belching are seen as

acceptable behaviour but when you use a toothpick you need to cover your mouth with your free hand. Same thing goes if you laugh – cover your mouth.

At the end of a meal oranges or fruit are frequently brought out meaning the meal is finished – time to go and no lingering. DO NOT eat the oranges!

‘FACE’‘Losing Face’ is a Chinese concept and in the west is

equivalent to losing respect or status. Chinese find ‘no’ difficult to say so they may say ‘maybe’ or ‘we’ll see’ in order to ‘save face’.

It is also not appropriate to lose your temper and yell otherwise the other people will ‘lose face’ due to embarrassment. You may find the Chinese laugh or smile when they are angry, nervous or embarrassed, don’t take this as an affront.

After living in Hong Kong for a while you will learn to appreciate that there is no right or wrong when it comes to etiquette and customs, they are just different and that it is just a part of the fun in living somewhere new.

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Expats know a thing or two about resilience, as they adapt to new local customs, currency, and current with their moves. Through the 1970s, AWA members’ flexibility became valuable to the organization as well.

The decade started with a still fairly young organization serving American women who’d come to Hong Kong with their husbands. Big expatriate packages were the norm, and many women were unprepared for a world of grand homes serviced by multiple servants, school debentures – and lots of time on their hands. They’d handed off their ‘Joy of Cooking’ cookbooks and Betty Crocker mixes to the amahs, but were feeling empty. The AWA filled a void, giving its members social outlets and purpose as it expanded its philanthropic and service reach.

“In the large scheme of things, our contribution has been minute, but for our membership it constitutes our reason for being,” wrote Mrs. Richard Morrison in her president’s message in the 1975-76 annual report.

Working in a tiny office and using typewriters, mimeograph machines, and land line telephones, as many as 30 women would keep the AWA’s offices humming each year. They would organize everything from Red Cross blood drives, to galas, to bridge and mahjong classes, to a special welcome for a US vice president, as well as a variety of outings around Hong Kong. Popular adventures included Po Tai for the rock carvings, Kadoorie Farms, and Kowloon Walled City.

Creative fundraising committees added new ventures to bring in more funds for local charities. In 1974, a used book trading post was launched, and in 1976, some talented women staged the musical Oklahoma in a dinner theater format.

Possibly because of the broad scope of AWA’s activities, or because of the few options, many women from other countries sought membership in the organization. But the original by-laws of the AWA prevented non-US citizens from joining. In 1973-1974, the bylaws were changed, allowing up to 30 percent foreign membership (today, there is no limit to non-US membership).

AWA 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

AWA keeps pace with the turbulent times: 1970s

by rachel parker

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“I joined AWA in 1977, and there was nothing here for Pakistanis then and the British clubs were too colonial,” notes Rehana Singh, who as a Pakistani had to wait for enough US women to join for her application to be processed.

For both Singh and former president Barbara Medley, superb Chinese amahs were a vital part of home life in Hong Kong in the 1970s. But, Barbara, whose children were already

grown, didn’t hire an amah. “I was known in my building as the ‘no-Amah Missy,’” she recalled.

Many American companies expanded their Asian operations during the 1970s, using Hong Kong as a base. But as China started opening up, many factories shifted north. Hong Kong became the storefront and financial operations, while China provided the low-cost labor. As Hong Kong’s business climate changed, many families moved out of Hong Kong, often without much notice. And, for the AWA, the last half of the 1970s was characterized by boards with multiple women in key roles. In 1978, the whole board changed mid year, as Barbara Medley and all of her board left Hong Kong through the year.

But while leadership changed in 1978, overall membership in AWA blossomed to more than 1,000 women. This was a busy year for the organization: it launched its Foon Ying program for helping members adjust to Hong Kong as well as added an art show and cookbook as fundraisers.

And, AWA responded to the crisis caused by the end of the Vietnam War. In 1978, the organization created the Vietnamese Aid Committee, which provided volunteers (ranging in age from

15-60) to work with the refugees.

Many of the activities and programs started in the 1970s are gone, but the core values of the organization have not changed. Through the transitions, adaptability has become the by-word of the AWA.

20161970sAWAre.indd 2 16/3/16 3:13 pm

16 AWArE April 2016

F E A t u r E

THEy ArE THrILLED, they are homesick, they are scared, they are relieved to have arrived in Hong Kong - their new home for six months, a year, a three-year contract max, forever, nobody knows. They are fresh-faced; they are mid-career, hoping for that crucial boost up the ladder; they are here for their last job, the final rung before they’re put out to pasture. They work at banks; they work at law firms. They make buttons, clothing, hard drives, toys. They run restaurants; they are bartenders; they are yoga teachers; they are designers; they are architects. They don’t work. They are hoping to work. They are done, done, done with work.

And so begins Janice Y. K. Lee’s second novel ‘The Expatriates’ which sets its sites on exposing the personal pain and humiliations of stereotyped Hong Kong expat life with sweeping broad-brush strokes.

The lives of three American expat women are laid bare through the lens of shallow indulgence and narcissistic, discontented prosperity. Margaret is a mother barely surviving the loss of her son, Mercy a young Korean American drifting down a route of despair and Hillary is a lonely socialite whose marriage is crumbling along with hopes of motherhood.

Readable and even relatable at some points such as when Margaret sits down with her children to a meal prepared by her domestic helper:

If Margaret lived in the United States, she would be cooking, her dishes would be her own, and her children would know how they were supposed to taste in their own home.

Yet adolescent and self-conscious at others, as with Margaret’s question to her husband after attending a dinner party during a house hunting trip to Hong Kong:

“Where are the Chinese people?...where was that place we were? Stanley? I felt like it was all white people. It could have been Marin County.”

The characters meander in and out of each other’s lives with tiresome one dimensionality. Disasters that befall them are treated with a breathy lightness as when Margaret is dealing with the aftermath of a personal tragedy:

What she can’t stand, also, is how many ‘of courses’ there are in her life. The sympathetic women murmuring ‘of

course’ all the time. How do you tell your travel agent that you lost your child, literally lost him, more than a year ago, and that now you’re going on vacation? Of course, it’s impossible.

It feels inauthentic somehow, like a caricature, not the inner thoughts of a mother who has lost a child.

Although some of the observations resonate, they are only a part of the expat experience, the salacious Hollywood TV drama part (think Desperate Housewives). The twists and turns of their sordid, beautifully over-the-top lives has entertainment value, no doubt, yet overlook the deep, enriching part of living as an expatriate; the cultural education, the adventure, the eye opening revelations at discovering

other parts of the world. Given there have been so few Hong Kong English language literary novels this seems a missed opportunity.

Overall, I was left feeling slightly depressed at the candy-coated notion that this is representative of Hong Kong’s expats. That we are all living a life of decadence and cheating husbands, where we are surrounded by social climbers, gossips and narcissists. My own experience, thus far, has revealed a dynamic city with a mix of this, yes, but also many thoughtful, caring intelligent people.

There is not a lot to choose from in English language fiction centering on Hong Kong. There are genre books; supernatural horror from Stewart Sloan and Rebecca Bradley, comedy crime novels from Nury Vittachi, humorous essays & cartoons from Larry Feign, poetry from Alan Jeffries and memoir from Martin Booth and Chris Thrall but modern literary fiction (written in the 21st century) is sadly lacking.

Titles that came up in various lists from the Guardian, Goodreads and Amazon included:

White Ghost Girls by Alice Greenway 2006The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee 2009Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Change 2006Fragrant Harbor by John Lanchester 2002Maybe one of these will prove to be a truly moving novel

that brings depth and understanding to the enriching, beguiling yet untethered experience of being an expatriate. Sadly Lee’s The Expatriates does not accomplish this.

By Claudia Doherty

Hong Kong Stories

16 AWArE April 2016

April 2016 AWArE 17

F E A t u r E

MOST OF uS who relocated to Hong Kong took some time settling down in this city we now call home, and part of the settling process involved finding and furnishing a residence to our satisfaction.

One of the key elements of this furnishing process involves electrical appliances. Many of us have apartments or houses that come pre-equipped with large appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, etc. We probably brought with us our stereo systems, smaller cooking appliances such as mixers, food processors and toasters, and personal appliances such as hair dryers.

It is relatively easy to buy both second hand and new appliances in Hong Kong. Most well known brands are sourced easily. However, certain niche brands and bespoke use appliances like high-end coffee machines may not be readily available, and you may need to source these from overseas.

For all existing appliances, it is important to remember that Hong Kong works on an electrical voltage of 220 volts, and uses a three square pin plug point system.

Aside from the usual set of appliances however, there are some appliances that can be essential to dealing with Hong Kong’s temperature and environment.

Dehumidifiers: Come the hot and muggy summer months, the one thing that you cannot do without is a dehumidifier. Aside from humidity absorbing sachets and boxes in your cupboard, you need a full-scale dehumidifier that will help remove the excess moisture from the air. Some apartments have them inbuilt, but portable ones are readily available.

Air conditioners: The summer heat is also kept at bay with air conditioners. Many newer apartment complexes have central air conditioning but older apartments can still feature window or split units. Routine cleaning of the filters and servicing ensures trouble free operation.

Heaters: On the flipside, Hong Kong winters can be wet and chilly. Stay warm and cozy with portable room heaters. These tend to be less expensive to operate even compared to central heating in apartment complexes that provide centralized temperature control.

Rice cookers : If you find that you are quickly developing a fascination for Asian cuisine, the rice cooker will save time and energy in the kitchen.

Air Purifiers: Given Hong Kong’s notorious air pollution woes, the demand for air purifiers only seems to increase every year. There are many different types and brands, so it would be best to do your homework.

Water Purifiers: While tap water in Hong Kong is generally considered safe, in older buildings, the pipes may have deteriorated to a point that makes the water unsafe to drink. To err on the side of caution, many people prefer to use a water filter. These usually consist of a filter attachment that you fix onto your sink tap in order to remove impurities from the water. More advance electric models can be built into your kitchen design with an intake pipe directly feeding into the unit, but for most purposes, the tap attachment is the most commonly used filtration device.

New appliances can be bought at appliance stores such as Fortress or Broadway, which have many branches all over the city. The home section of Department stores such as Sogo and Wing On also provide choice and information on different brands. For second hand purchases, look at the classified sections at geoexpat.com and asiaexpat.com. There are frequently bargains to be had, especially from expats who are leaving Hong Kong and looking to sell their often well-maintained appliances at very reasonable prices.

Smart Guide to Appliancesin Hong Kong

By Dimple Shah

18 AWArE April 2016

F E A t u r E

WHEn SHOPPIng in new lands, the Parker First Rule of Acquisition is: If you see something you love then buy it because you might not see it again.

Shopping around looking for a cheaper version may not be the best use of time while absorbing new cultures. For us, shopping for home décor while in foreign lands is as much about love as price points - within reason, of course.

We codified this rule while living in Europe. We were in Venice and did all the customary stops: Doges Palace; the boat ride to Murano; San Marco Piazza. In wandering over canals and through alleyways, a pair of maroon velvet slippers caught my eye. They were exquisite and not overly expensive - but nor were they necessary, so I passed. For the rest of the trip I looked for them everywhere but with no luck. Finally, as we were leaving Venice, I made a mad dash back to the original shop to get them. In all of our wandering around, I hadn’t seen any others, what a waste of time! But now I had them, I loved them!

I ended up collecting slippers for a couple of years. I got olive-wood slippers in France, bejeweled ones in Lucca, Italy. My oldest daughter brought back a pair of multi-colored slippers from Fez. And, when we returned to Venice a few years later, I bought more velvet slippers. (One can never have enough)

The same rule applies to the optional things we buy for our home – whether it is the one we call home on an overseas posting or the one we plan to return to in California. We were a few years ahead of the US shops when we brought back ceiling-mounted canopies made of light netting for our daughters’ rooms. They were absolutely unique, yet not expensive, and reminded us all of our long weekend in Amsterdam.

So, I took the AWA trip up to Zhuhai last November with

no shopping list in mind. This trip was less a hunt and more an exploration of the options. I wandered the antiques warehouse snapping photos of the possibilities – but not feeling the love. Hundreds of buffets and chests, uncomfortable chairs, and desks: I didn’t need or love them.

Then, I climbed the narrow stairs to the dusty shelves of boxes. It felt like a hundred old attics had been consolidated into one. Endless aisles of six-foot tall racks laden with shoe-box size lacquer boxes. But then I found something different: 24-inches tall, with three layers, decorative painting underneath years of dust. The shop owner said it was a special box for carrying cakes at a wedding and dated from the 19th Century. As a baker, I was hooked.

I selected one that I loved. It was interesting, but the decorations were kind of dull and rough. Then I saw another one, taller, more elaborate, and obviously more expensive, just

a little bit more. I’d never seen any of these boxes, so had no framework for judging whether the shop’s pricing was good or not. But, it spoke both of a Chinese heritage and personal interest, and it seemed a good bet to select the box that appeared to be in better shape.

Why do I love it? The gold and black marriage scenes painted on the box seem appropriate as my husband and I are in a new

phase of our relationship – empty nesters with a completely new nest. And as a baker, the vision of special cookies and tea cakes filling each of the sections of the box brings a smile to my face. So, today it stands in our living room, the light dancing across the paintings on its sides. The interiors of the three separate layers are gorgeous. I’m in love, and you can’t put a price on that!

Treasure HunterBy Rachel Parker

April 2016 AWArE 19

THE LOCAL TOurS committee works tirelessly to find new and unique activities for the AWA members and a recent highlight was a visit to the Tsz Shan Monastery in Tai Po. Consequently, on a bright sunny Wednesday morning, over 50 AWA members excitedly boarded a bus for the first visit to the monastery. Entrance is strictly limited to 400 people a day, so we were indeed fortunate to be able to visit.

Opened in 2015, Tsz Shan Monastery was conceived and funded by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, for the “preservation of the inheritance of the Dharma preached by Sakyamuni”.

The highlight of the monastery is the76 metre high statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion. Made from bronze, it’s covered with a white self-cleaning paint, which is clearly having a hard time with the Hong Kong pollution! There are stories that the inside of the statue is a secret passage for Li Ka-Shing, but in reality it’s to enable the statue to be cleaned. This is no small feat as the man tasked with the cleaning has to climb up to the top inside the statue with a high-pressure hose and a backpack full of water. In front of the statue there is a large bronze water vessel known as The Thousand Wishes Pond, where visitors can make water offerings to Guan Yin.

Another highlight is the Grand Buddha Hall, with its three Buddha statues. Carved from camphorwood according to the traditions of the Tang and Liao dynasties, they are painted gold, with the hands and feet covered in pure gold dust.

Our visit was soon over, and everyone agreed how lucky we had been to visit this serene and spiritual place.

If you want to visit then bookings can be made at www.tszshan.org, but be warned the first dates available are in five months time!

Tsz Shan MonasteryBy Angela Bellas

F E A t u r E

20 AWArE April 2016

April 2016 AWArE 21

22 AWArE April 2016

A s i A N t o u r s

IT'S THAT TIME of the year again… yes; Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is April's hottest ticket. The Sevens at Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay is part of the World Rugby Seven Series with ten events in ten different cities around the world. Sevens comes to Hong Kong on April 8-10 on its seventh round. Our Sevens will feature twenty-eight teams from 22 countries, including the Hong Kong team.

Whether you are attending the Sevens at Hong Kong Stadium or watching it at home, here are a few things to keep in mind:• Watchagame(eachisoverin15minutes),butit’seasyto

get distracted by the spectacle of it all. South Stands is entertainment in itself but I urge you to actually WATCH a game. It is fast, physical, and fun.

• Knowthebasicsof thegame. At theSevens, thereareseven players on each side (but still on a full sized field). The matches are seven minutes per half with a minute half time break (ten minutes halves for the championship game with two minute half time break). A try (crossing the goal line with the ball – much like the American football's touchdown) is equal to five points and a kick for extra points is two. Oh, and three points for penalties and drop

goals. Got that?• The teamscompete for thecup,plate,bowl,andshield.

The cup is awarded to the winner of the championship game.

• It’s not just for men. The Hong KongWomen RugbySevens’ Cup Final will be held on Friday, April 8th. The women's game is competitive, physical and equally fun to watch.

• Do decide on a theme. It's fun seeing a group ofsuperheroes or Roman gladiators walking down Caroline Hill Road. Then head for the South Stand and mug for TV.

• Atthestadium,dowanderaboutthefoodconcessionarystands. Rugby players get hungry, too. It is one way of seeing them up close and marvel how tall and wide they can be.

Hong Kong Sevens is a great event. Even if you do not know who is playing or the rules of the game, it is hard not to get into the spirit. See you there!http://hksevens.com/ http://hksevens.com/rugby-week/cathay-pacific-hsbc-hong-kong-womens-sevens

Sevens Heaven By Shelda Chickles

April 2016 AWArE 23

F E A t u r E

march 2016 AWArE 23

C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

Historical Talk withJason Wordie: Hong Kong in Transformation – Life in the 1950sWhen: Tuesday, 5 April, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Leisurely Walk through HK Park, Zoological and Botanical Gardens followed by lunch at the Foreign Correspondents ClubWhen: Monday, 11 April,9am - 2pm (approx.)

Asian Tigers Warehouse Tour and LunchWhen: Thursday, 14 April, 9:30am - 3:00pm

The Expat GrandmotherWhen: Thursday, 14 April, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Cooking Demo and Lunch: A Meal To Enjoy and … Balance Your HormonesWhen: Friday, 15 April, 10.00am - 2:00pm

Cooking with Passion ‘A Taste of India – 5’When: Tuesday, 19th April, 11:00am - 1:30pm

Practical Cantonese – Beginner’s CourseWhen: Tuesday, 19 April, 2:30pm - 4:00pm

Hong Kong Neighbourhood Series – At Home in Wong Chuk HangWhen: Wednesday, 20 April, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Flower Arranging – Abstract Table Centre PieceWhen: Wednesday, 20th April, 10:15am - Noon

Health and Wellness Series: Menopause - Dreadful or Joyful?When: Thursday, 21 April, 10:00am - 11:30pm

Burgers and Bowling - At the Hong Kong Country ClubWhen: Friday, 22 April, 1:00pm - 3:30pm (approx.)

Da Fen Oil Painting Village in ShenzhenWhen: Tuesday, 26 April, 9:00am - 5:00pm (approx.)

Practical Cantonese –Beginner’s Course (repeat of the 19 April course)When: Tuesday, 26 April, 2:30pm - 4:00pm

A New Way to “Sea” Asia!When: Wednesday, 27 April, Noon - 1:30pm

Archery Trial CourseWhen: Thursday, 28 April, 10am - 1:00pm

All about Pearls – Jewels of the SeaWhen: Thursday, 28 April, 9:45am -12:30pm

APRIL 20161 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

May 20161 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Getting Around Causeway Bay – Round Trip from Stanley on a Green MinibusWhen: Wednesday, 03 May, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Noonday Gun and Lunch at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht ClubWhen: Thursday, 5 May, 11:30am - 1:30pm

24 AWArE April 2016

Historical Talk with Jason Wordie: Hong Kong in Transformation – Life in the 1950s

When: Tuesday, 5 April, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Cost: $310 member $370 member’s guest

and its aftermath, the development of a

Asian Tigers Warehouse Tour and Lunch

When: Thursday, 14 April,

Cost: $60 members

Coordinators: Lisa Wallis, 6715 0653,

household shipment goes after it leaves

ship? Asian Tigers Mobility, a leading

The Expat GrandmotherWhen: Thursday, 14 April, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

What is her role in your family and in

L O C A L T O U R S A N D A C T I V I T I E S

When: Monday 11 April

Club, probably the most famous press

Leisurely Walk through HK Park, Zoological and Botanical Gardens followed by lunch at the Foreign Correspondents Club

24 AWArE April 2016

April 2016 AWArE 25

Cooking with Passion ‘A Taste of India – 5’

11:00 am – 1:30 pm

Practical Cantonese –Beginner’s Course

$155 members guests

in Cantonese? AWA members have the opportunity to learn some simple Cantonese

Hong Kong Neighborhood Series – At Home in Wong Chuk Hang

Cost: $140 members

Flower Arranging – Abstract Table Centre Piece

and meeting point Cost: $340 members $400 member’s guest

Cooking Demo and Lunch: A Meal To Enjoy and Balance Your Hormones

3A Tregunter Path, Midlevels

$450 member’s guest

L O C A L T O U R S A N D A C T I V I T I E S

April 2016 AWArE 25

26 AWArE April 2016

Health and Wellness Series: Menopause - Dreadful or Joyful?

10:00am – 11:30pm

Cost: $310 member $370 member’s guest

Coordinators:

Burgers and Bowling - At the Hong Kong Country Club

Cost: $60 members

providing the very best sports and

Practical Cantonese –Beginner’s Course (repeat of the 19 April course)

$155 members guests

in Cantonese? AWA members have the opportunity to learn some simple

A New Way to “Sea” Asia!

Cost: $60 member

L O C A L T O U R S A N D A C T I V I T I E S

$340 member’s guest

Da Fen Oil Painting Village in Shenzhen

26 AWArE April 2016

April 2016 AWArE 27

These, and many other Asian destinations,

Archery Trial Class

10am – 1pm

All about Pearls – Jewels of the Sea

CentralCost: $160 members

pearls are quality graded so attendees

of pearls and see the equipment that is used to test and grade these beautiful

Looking Further Ahead

MayGetting Around CausewayBay – Round Trip from Stanley on a Green Minibus

When: Wednesday, 03 May,

Cost: $60 members

Noonday Gun and Lunch at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

When: Thursday, 5 May,

Cost: $60 member

Registration Procedures

forget to register early as many of the

Refund, Cancellation and Substitution Policies

refundable at any time unless the AWA

Credit notes are not transferable and must

L O C A L T O U R S A N D A C T I V I T I E S

April 2016 AWArE 27

28 AWArE April 2016

AWA’s Ongoing ActivitiesOf the many ways to get involved in the AWA, Ongoing Clubs and Sports are the most popular, and easiest, ways to make

new friends. We offer something for everyone: from hobbies to languages, golf and dragon boat racing. Ongoing Clubs & Sports offer comfortable and enjoyable ways to keep busy and expand your network of friends. These activities are organized by AWA members for AWA members with similar interests and passions. One time registration is required in order to receive updates about scheduled activities. For more information and to register, go online to www.awa.org.hk.

ArT LOvErS: Kumiko Matsushima, kumikomatsushima333@gmail.com; Cynthia Lackey, cynthia2265@aol.com

PHOTOgrAPHy grOuP: Sharon Mason, Sharon.masonnc@gmail.com

STITCH: Alison Levingston, Alison.levingston.2014@gmail.com;

AFTErnOOn BOOK CLuB: Penny Van Niel, penny.vanniel@gmail.com; Anna MacDonald, annainhk@netvigator.com)

EvEnIng BOOK CLuB: Melissa Grove, mgrove894@gmail.com

SPIrITuAL LITErACy grOuP: Kate Weisman, kate.weisman@gmail.com

MAHJOng MADnESS: Katherine Fenton, klfone@aol.com; Christine Scullion, Christine_scullion@yahoo.co.uk

SOCIAL BrIDgE AnD LunCH: Lisa Strunin, strunin.lisa@gmail.com

gAMES gALOrE-MAHJOng Or BrIDgE: Beth Hall, bethall@netvigator.com

LunCH BunCH: Judy Lakey, carlakey@aol.com

ICC- InTErnATIOnAL COOKIng CLuB: Co-ordinator required

gALLOPIng gOurMET: Mary Kinslow, kinslow.mary@gmail.com, Yuiko O'Reilly, yuiko_ore@yahoo.com

ITALIAn COnvErSATIOn grOuP: Giuditta Crovato, giuditta.crovato@gmail.com

AWA HIKIng: Birgit Imkamp, Patti Smith, Cynthia Lackey, ihikes@awa.org.hk

AWA gLOBE PADDLErS Elissa Imran, elissa.imran@gmail.com;

DrAgOn BOAT TEAM: Anne Fifer, annefifer@gmail.com AWA gOLF SOCIETy: Sue Webb, golf@awa.org

WOMEnS FOruM: Sally Kooser, shkooser@gmail.com

o N G o i N G A c t i v i t i E s C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

49 AWARE November 2014

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SERVICE volunteering@awa.org.hk

Chairperson Susie Edrington: volunteering@awa.org.hk

Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard: carol.lampard@gmail.comHK Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: katemahjoubian@gmail.comMeals in the Home Marybeth Coffer: mealsinthehome@gmail.com Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: reneecheung@me.com Trisha Cliff: miketrishcliff@yahoo.com Soup Kitchen Linda VanNoy: vannoy9@gmail.comRiding for the Disabled Liz McgrathChung Hok Elderly Centre Mei Ling Ng meiling@monsoon.com.hkArk Eden Foundation volunteering@awa.org.hk Feeding Hong Kong volunteering@awa.org.hk

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP educationscholarship@awa.org.hk

Chairperson Sheila Twinn: educationscholarship@awa.org.hkEnglish Conversation Sheila Twinn: dr_sheilatwinn@yahoo.com

Kwun Tong Marti Law: martilaw@hotmail.comPok Fu Lam Liz Clark: 6083 2400Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: barbara.iannazzone@gmail.comChai Wan Julie Naughton: juile.naughton@gmail.comAp Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: bernicelee2002@yahoo.comMock Interviews Katherine Payne kepayne2506@gmail.comCheung Chau Reading Partners Jill Baran Scott: jbaranscott@gmail.com

Public Relations publicrelations@awa.org.hk

Chairperson Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hkForum Moderator Rachel Bourke: forum@awa.org.hk

OFFICE

Phone 2527 2961/2Fax 2865 7737Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-ThuAddress No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong KongWebsite www.awa.org.hkOffice & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: officemanager@awa.org.hkMembership Representative Joanne Lam: info@awa.org.hk

SOCIAL

ACTIVITIES activities@awa.org.hk

3rd Vice President Lisa Strunin: activities@awa.org.hk Asian Tours Kate Mahjoubian katemahjoubian@gmail.comLocal Tours and Activities Jane Buck: forjbuck@gmail.com SOCIAL Patti Smith: designps@optonline.net

If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any question about the organization, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD president@awa.org.hk

President Marcy LaRont: president@awa.org.hk1st VP Fundraising Amanda Foster: fundraising@awa.org.hk2nd VP Membership Sharon Mason: membership@awa.org.hk3rd Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: activities@awa.org.hkAWAre Editor Lindsey Gordon: aware@awa.org.hkCharitable Donations Andrea Roth: charities@awa.org.hkCommunity Service Susie Edrington: volunteering@awa.org.hkEducation & Scholarship Sheila Twinn: educationscholarship@awa.org.hkPublic Relations Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk Recording Secretary Jennifer Kindel: secretary@awa.org.hkTreasurer Annie Fifer: treasurer@awa.org.hkOnline and Social Media Angela Bellas: socialmedia@awa.org.hkCorporate Sponsorship Nikola Andersson: corporatesponsor@awa.org.hk

MEMBERSHIP membership@awa.org.hk

2nd Vice President Sharon Mason: membership@awa.org.hkBuddy Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Diane Lamboley: 9020 9385Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559Membership Discounts membership@awa.org.hk OWL Susie Edrington: susie1031e@gmail.comWOW Mary Barbara Hanna: mbwhanna@gmail.com

WHEn: Wednesday, 11 May 10:30am – 12:00pmWHErE: Bowerbird Home, New Flagship Store, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei ChauCOST: $60 member, $120 non-memberCAPACITy: minimum 6, maximum 25COOrDInATOr: Celine O’Connor, 6383 2508Bowerbird Home is synonymous for its blue and white hand painted Chinese porcelain. From ginger jars to tableware,

lighting, accessories and stools, their collection is extensive and authentically selected. During this Masterclass Bowerbird Home will cover porcelain appreciation, including a brief history, how it is made, how it is valued, the different styles and how to identify certain elements. Attendees will be entitled to 10% off all purchases on the day.

Bowerbird Home Series: Porcelain MasterclassJust in!

April 2016 AWArE 29

c o N t A c t i N F o r m A t i o NC O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

49 AWARE November 2014

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SERVICE volunteering@awa.org.hk

Chairperson Susie Edrington: volunteering@awa.org.hk

Fenwick Pier Volunteers Carol Lampard: carol.lampard@gmail.comHK Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: katemahjoubian@gmail.comMeals in the Home Marybeth Coffer: mealsinthehome@gmail.com Ronald McDonald House Renee Cheung: reneecheung@me.com Trisha Cliff: miketrishcliff@yahoo.com Soup Kitchen Linda VanNoy: vannoy9@gmail.comRiding for the Disabled Liz McgrathChung Hok Elderly Centre Mei Ling Ng meiling@monsoon.com.hkArk Eden Foundation volunteering@awa.org.hk Feeding Hong Kong volunteering@awa.org.hk

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP educationscholarship@awa.org.hk

Chairperson Sheila Twinn: educationscholarship@awa.org.hkEnglish Conversation Sheila Twinn: dr_sheilatwinn@yahoo.com

Kwun Tong Marti Law: martilaw@hotmail.comPok Fu Lam Liz Clark: 6083 2400Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: barbara.iannazzone@gmail.comChai Wan Julie Naughton: juile.naughton@gmail.comAp Lei Chau tba

Dining Etiquette Bernice Lee: bernicelee2002@yahoo.comMock Interviews Katherine Payne kepayne2506@gmail.comCheung Chau Reading Partners Jill Baran Scott: jbaranscott@gmail.com

Public Relations publicrelations@awa.org.hk

Chairperson Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hkForum Moderator Rachel Bourke: forum@awa.org.hk

OFFICE

Phone 2527 2961/2Fax 2865 7737Hours 9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-ThuAddress No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre, 2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong KongWebsite www.awa.org.hkOffice & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: officemanager@awa.org.hkMembership Representative Joanne Lam: info@awa.org.hk

SOCIAL

ACTIVITIES activities@awa.org.hk

3rd Vice President Lisa Strunin: activities@awa.org.hk Asian Tours Kate Mahjoubian katemahjoubian@gmail.comLocal Tours and Activities Jane Buck: forjbuck@gmail.com SOCIAL Patti Smith: designps@optonline.net

If you would like to join the AWA or if you have any question about the organization, please contact the office or any of the Executive Board members.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

EXECUTIVE BOARD president@awa.org.hk

President Marcy LaRont: president@awa.org.hk1st VP Fundraising Amanda Foster: fundraising@awa.org.hk2nd VP Membership Sharon Mason: membership@awa.org.hk3rd Vice President Activities Lisa Strunin: activities@awa.org.hkAWAre Editor Lindsey Gordon: aware@awa.org.hkCharitable Donations Andrea Roth: charities@awa.org.hkCommunity Service Susie Edrington: volunteering@awa.org.hkEducation & Scholarship Sheila Twinn: educationscholarship@awa.org.hkPublic Relations Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk Recording Secretary Jennifer Kindel: secretary@awa.org.hkTreasurer Annie Fifer: treasurer@awa.org.hkOnline and Social Media Angela Bellas: socialmedia@awa.org.hkCorporate Sponsorship Nikola Andersson: corporatesponsor@awa.org.hk

MEMBERSHIP membership@awa.org.hk

2nd Vice President Sharon Mason: membership@awa.org.hkBuddy Program Alison May: 9663 1250CHAT Coordinator Diane Lamboley: 9020 9385Foon Ying Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559Membership Discounts membership@awa.org.hk OWL Susie Edrington: susie1031e@gmail.comWOW Mary Barbara Hanna: mbwhanna@gmail.com

Bowerbird Home Series: Porcelain Masterclass

30 AWArE April 2016