AWA Nov 2015-WITH BAZAAR INSERT

A M a g a z i n e fo r t h e Wo m e n o f H o n g K o n g • N ove m b e r 2 0 1 5
November 2015
The American Women’s
Association of Hong
Kong, Limited.
Established in 1956
A 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
6
Editor
Angela Bellas
aware@awa.org.hk
Contents
Assistant Editors
Lindsey Gordon
Graphics
Jacky Ngan
Fahima Ahmad
Membership
3
AWA Enjoys
5
PhotographY
Fahima Ahmad
Sharon Mason
Welcome Back Coffee
6
The Visitors
8
Advertising Manager
advertising@awa.org.hk
16
Published & Printed by
R&R Publishing Ltd.
2126 7812
info@rrpublishing.com.hk
www.rrpublishing.com.hk
17
I'm a Girl
10
Maria's Story
12
WOW
14
A Story of a Start-up
15
Asian Tours
16
Calendar of Events
17
Local Tours and Activities
18
Ongoing Activities
24
Contact Information
25
The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm.
Visit the AWA website:
www.awa.org.hk
Follow us on Twitter:
@AWA_HK
like us on facebook:
www.facebook.com/awahk
Follow us on Instagram:
@AWA_HK
Any 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 publication
may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association.
Welcome
From the President
Hello again AWA members.
In October, we laughed for education and walked in
support of the fight against breast cancer. A group of you
visited the UNESCO heritage site, Yellow Mountain in
China. The ladies of WOW hosted a
brilliant speaker on funding your start up.
We played bridge and mah-jong. We
hiked. We volunteered. And we continued
to make every day count.
As we usher in November, the fun
continues! We listened to our members
who encouraged us to offer more topical
and informational events. On Thursday
November 5th, we are happy to co-host a
talk on sending our children to boarding
school, which will be held at the American Club in Tai Tam.
On Friday November 13th, our long awaited annual Charity
Bazaar will take place at the PMQ in Soho (see details
inside this issue). And on Tuesday November 24th, we
encourage you not to miss our panel discussion on
domestic helpers and immigration in Hong Kong,
moderated by AWA member and Fair Employment
Agency co-founder, Tammy Baltz.
Finally – it’s been just over a month since our amazing
Welcome Back Coffee, and I wanted to reiterate a
message from that morning. I WANT YOUR STORIES! We
will be celebrating the AWA’s 60th year starting in 2016.
Whether you are an “old” or newer member, I want to
hear from you. If the AWA means something to you, has
meant something to you, and/or if you think that the AWA
holds a valuable place in the Hong Kong community, I
want to hear your thoughts, your comments, your stories.
Email me at president@awa.org.hk.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Marcy
From the Editor
Have you got your shopping shoes on? I love the AWA Charity
Bazaar, it’s such a great opportunity to get all my Christmas
shopping done in one go. I must admit though, more often than
not, the gifts are for me! Lots of your favourite vendors will be
there, along with the Lucky Lai See, Silent Auction and new this
year the Giving Tree.
We’re looking forward to being in our new location, and if you’d
like to know more about PMQ, then two of the AWAre regular
writers, Frances Nicholls and Tanvi Gupta have articles in the
supplement, so do check them out.
It’s still not too late to volunteer to help out on the day, contact
bazaar@awa.org.hk if you’d like to help out. I look forward to
seeing you all there.
Coming up on Tuesday December 1st we have an exclusive AWA
charity movie screening of the award winning documentary "I’m a
girl". This deeply moving and inspirational film features six girls on
the brink of womanhood, ready to become something
extraordinary. Check out page 10 for more details, and book your
tickets through the AWA website. All proceeds from the showing
will go to the AWA scholarship program helping young female
students in Hong Kong.
This really is my last letter as AWAre editor as I hand the reins over
to Lindsey Gordon. I’m sure, like me, you will have enjoyed reading
Lindsey’s articles over the past few months, see page 8 for this
months adventure, and I know the magazine will be in great
hands.
Marcy LaRont
AWA President
Angela Bellas
AWAre Editor (Temporary)
2 AWARE November 2015
Membership
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.
Welcome New Members
Sarah Ball
Kirsten Beemer
Francine Besançon
Carmenchita Boeing
Tina Brickhouse
Jennifer Brown
Rosemary Bruno
Chiara Caratti
Sujata Chaudhari
Jessica Cheng
Sonia Chow
Elizabeth Clark
Cara Crosswhite
Ruth Derrien
Colleen DiMatteo
Isabelle Ensarguet
Catherine Furlong
Marika Gillis
Ksenia Gross
Deepa Gupta
Christine Harber
Jennifer Hayers
Barbara Hemmi Verburg
Claire Hunter
Ro King
Tyna (Tanya) Kirk
Kara Laskowski
Stephanie Laurent Josi
Irene Lee
Quinn Lockwood
Mini Malhotra
Deirdre McKechnie
Martine Morey
Kristin Morse
Heidi Peyrefitte Rockowitz
Pamela Portsmouth Layton
Isabell Seelander
Jennifer Stork
Marieke van der Meulen
Marceline Vieux-Pernon
Amy Waag
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
November 2015 AWARE 3
MEMbERship
Foon Ying
wHen:
November 11, 18 and 25. Please plan to
attend all three dates
wHere:
TBC
coordinatorS: Chrissie Govier, chrissie.govier@gmail.com
coSt:
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!
Neighborhood Coffees
If 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.com
Sandra Gallaudet,
s.gallaudet919@gmail.com
SAI KUNG
Katherine Fenton, klfone@aol.com
KowLoon
PoK Fu Lam and SHouSon HiLL
Jane Buck, ForJBuck@aol.com
Susan Trebach, shtrebach@gmail.com
diScovery Bay
Kathy Barber, kathy71356@aol.com
Amita Gupta, info@elitejewellery.org
Izumi Ikeda, Izume.Ikeda@gmail.com
HK centraL/mid LeveLS
CHAT (Come Have a Talk)
wHen:
wHere:
coSt:
coordinator:
Thursday, 10:30am – 12:00 noon
(except public holidays)
Café 8, Rooftop of Pier 8, above the
Maritime Museum.
No fee (all beverages & lunches at personal
expense)
Diane Lamboley 9020 9385
dmlamboley@hotmail.com
50 Years helping you
oYˑ²nbb½
We can’t wait to show you around
In fifty years we’ve learned a lot about what makes relocations
more successful for everyone.
With experienced and knowledgeable people on the ground in
more than 60 countries we equip you well for your relocation:
s7ELLHELPYOUGETTOKNOWTHEDESTINATIONWELLBEFOREYOUGO
s3HOWYOUHOWTOMAKEITEASIERANDMOREEXCITINGFORCHILDREN
and less stressful for pets
s7ELLLOOKAFTERYOURBELONGINGSWITHEXPERTPACKINGANDTRANSPORT
s!NDWHENYOUARRIVEWECANHELPYOUGETSETTLEDQUICKERAND
enjoy the thrill of a new place or a different culture
Tel: +852 2636 8388
hongkong@crownww.com
Go knowing
www.crownrelo.com/hongkong
4 AWARE November 2015
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November 2015 AWAre 5
Feature
Welcome Back Coffee
Sharon Mason (USA)
The annual Welcome Back Coffee is always one of
our favorite events. We get a chance to see old friends and
meet new ones at the beautiful American Club in Tai Tam. This
year's event was all about how much AWA has to offer each
of us, whether we have been in Hong Kong a month or a
decade. As mistress of ceremonies, I looked out at the faces
of friends I had not even met a year ago as I attended my first
Welcome Back Coffee.
President Marcy LaRont gave a warm and enthusiastic
welcome to everyone. She highlighted AWA's many
endeavors and how proud she is to preside over such an
impressive group of women. We heard about the fabulous
6 AWARE November 2015
Feature
upcoming Asian tours and our champion Globe
Paddlers dragon boat team entertained us with
their fight song.
A fabulous stay at Five Elements in Bali
donated by Charlotte Travel was on the line as
the Lucky Draw topped off the morning.
Everyone in the room cheered as Diane
Lamboley, who had just described to us why
she loves travel, claimed her prize. What a
perfect ending!
Many thanks to Barbora Mayer, Joanne
Lam, Jane Buck, Marcy LaRont, Stephanie
Bourque, the staff of the American Club and
sponsors, Charlotte Travel and Asian Tigers who
made this event possible.
November 2015 AWARE 7
Feature
The Visitors
Lindsey Gordon (UK)
Six months ago my 80-year-old dad called me at four in
the morning to let me know he’d booked flights for him and
mum to come and visit me in Hong Kong. Two weeks before
they were due to arrive, mum had a fall and was confined to
a wheelchair. Did they cancel? No, they did not. Nothing was
going to stop them from making this trip.
I waited at Exit B in the Arrivals hall for two hours before
eventually finding them in the middle of the concourse like a
couple of Paddington Bears with their handwritten parcel
labels on their suitcases. How they got past me, I do not
know and neither do they. They weren’t in bad shape
considering they’d left their sleepy Somerset village more
than 24 hours before, arriving via Dubai. Their main gripe was
that it was too cold on the airplane: “We asked them three
times to turn off the air-conditioning!”
Mum does not like the cold, or the hot for that matter.
She doesn’t like spicy food, or bland food. She is a big fan of
salt and Tetley tea.
“This is going to be interesting,” Mick said a day before
the visit as we went to collect a wheelchair from the Red
Cross at a hospital in Chai Wan.
Navigating Hong Kong with a wheelchair is no easy task.
This is a hilly city with a lot of steps. On the plus side, my
biceps and calves are looking pretty toned now, and I
discovered a whole new world of elevators. Also, I have to
admit, I was loving the preferential treatment that a
wheelchair can sometimes attract.
At Ocean Park, we were whisked to the front of every line
with the special ‘wheelchair plus three helpers’ Golden Ticket
they gave us. They even stopped the cable car while mum
got on. Dad, Mick and I cast our eyes to the floor in
mortification as we trooped past hundreds of people to the
front of the line – but we weren’t so mortified that we didn’t
take full advantage of the situation at every opportunity.
Apparently my dad loves penguins, I never knew that
before, so he was in his element in the South Pole Attraction.
8 AWARE November 2015
Obviously the Antarctic conditions were not acceptable to
mother who waited outside with her little battery-operated
fan. “Does it really need to be that cold in there?” Hello
mum, they’re penguins!
The wheelchair also came in pretty handy at Disneyland;
The Peninsula Lobby (no queuing for Afternoon Tea); the (soldout-except-for-wheelchairs) Cirque de Symphony show at The
Cultural Centre; Wong Tai Sin Temple and The Peak Tram.
(However, I have had to promise Mick that I will never make
him visit Madame Tussaud’s ever again. Ever.)
The highlight (of exasperation) of the tour for me was
partaking of Chinese tea at the Lock Cha teahouse in Hong
Kong Park. (Be careful not to accidentally order the
Fuyuanchang pu-er tea at $38,000!) Dad and I caught each
other’s eye and looked at mum as she took her first slurp of
Lapsang Souchong… “Ewwwww! This tea tastes like smoky
bacon!!” And apparently the moon cake is like a ‘chocolate
pork pie.’ You can take the girl out of Somerset but you can’t
take Somerset out of the girl!
We went on the Big Bus, The Star Ferry, we visited
Stanley, the Ladies Market, The Flower Market, The Jade
Market, Nan Lian Gardens, Repulse Bay, Lamma and mum
and dad saw pandas at Ocean Park and the real Mickey
Mouse for the first time in their lives.
I think they had the holiday of a lifetime and I know dad
will be recounting his adventures to everybody down at his
golf club.
Mick and I took the wheelchair back to the Red Cross on
Saturday but the office was closed. He had to stand on my
back and pass the wheelchair through the one-foot gap above
the door because we didn’t want to have to come back and
the hospital refused to take responsibility for it ‘til Monday. I
dread to think what it would have looked like on the CCTV!
As we walked away, we were both thinking the same thing after pushing it around for two weeks, we would miss the
wheelchair… and its occupant!
Feature
November 2015 AWARE 9
Feature
I’m a girl Exclusive AWA charity movie screening Award winning documentary Deeply inspirational and moving
There is a group of people in the world
today who are more persecuted than anyone
else, but they are not political or religious activists.
They are girls. Being born a girl means you are
more likely to be subjected to violence, disease,
poverty and disadvantage than any other group on
the planet.
As a day on earth transpires from dawn to
dusk and into the night, we meet Manu, Kimsey,
Aziza, Habiba, Breani and Katie – each on the
brink of womanhood and dealing with the realities
of what it means to grow up female in their world
today. As they come of age in the way their
culture dictates, we see remarkable heartwarming stories of resilience, bravery and
humour.
I AM A GIRL is a feature length documentary
that paints a picture of the reality of what it means
to be a girl in the 21st century. Feminism may
have promised equality and sought a better and fairer world
for women, but the reality is that girls make up almost a
quarter of the world’s population, yet still face the greatest
discrimination of any group on the planet. Technology and
science offer unimaginable potential but we still struggle to
ensure men and women are afforded equal opportunities. In
spite of these obstacles, girls have found extraordinary ways
to persevere and in our documentary we hear their stories of
strength, hope, courage and a refusal to be second best.
The journey takes you through a pastiche of diverse
cultures and societies around the globe including Cambodia,
Papua New Guinea, Cameroon, Afghanistan, USA and
Australia.
The causes of girls and women are very dear to our heart
as a women's association. We are excited to offer the
screening of this inspirational documentary in Hong Kong and
to share the stories with our members, families and friends.
All proceeds of the charity movie screening go to the AWA
scholarship program for young female students in Hong Kong.
10 AWARE November 2015
All beneficiaries are students with financial hardship who
despite this achieve excellent grades, and show great
examples of leadership and participation in their schools.
Date:
Tuesday December 1, 2015
Time: 5 pm
Venue: House 2, UA Cine Times, Level 13, Times Square,
Causeway Bay
Cost: 200HKD
Open to all, parental guidance, see website for more
details, recommended. Order tickets via the AWA website.
Tickets to be collected at the cinema directly before the
screening.
We are most grateful for the generous support of UA
Cinemas who donated the cinema.
November 2015 AWARE 11
Feature
Maria’s story,
a refugee in Hong Kong
Andrea Roth (Germany)
If you follow the news, you can’t help but notice the desperate conditions of the hundreds
of thousands of people, who leave everything behind to flee from war, torture and persecution.
While many Syrian and Afghan refugees try to reach the EU, thousands of Rohingya people from
Myanmar and Bangladesh are taken by human traffickers to South East Asia. You would think that
refugees are not a topic for Hong Kong. However, even though Hong Kong has one of the smallest
global refugee populations, there are still more than 8000 people seeking protection here.
Christian Action, one of the 2015 AWA grant recipients, runs a service centre for protection
claimants. They shared the story of Maria with us. Maria was forced to flee from her home in
2012, to escape death threats following her husband’s murder by the political extremists in her
country. Her own life at risk, but with only a few resources left in her pockets, Maria was forced to
choose which of her three children she
would be able to take to safety. For a
mother, this was no easy decision, but she
came to Hong Kong with her youngest, a girl
of 15, who would otherwise have been
defenseless against her persecutors. Her
other children fled and have since been in
hiding within the country.
In Hong Kong, Maria’s life has been far
from easy. In her 50s with a young daughter
she was suddenly rendered homeless in a
foreign city, each day fearing that she might
be sent back to her persecutors. She had no
right to work or acquire an income, which
would have given them a comfortable roof
over their heads and allow her daughter to
continue her education. She was given no
choice but to live a life of destitution,
dependent wholly on the goodwill of the community. With only a total of $1,800 a month to cover
their rent and $50 a day to feed both herself and her daughter, still Maria does not complain: “at
least, we are safe”, she says.
Three years later, Maria is still waiting in Hong Kong for a durable solution for her situation. She
is only able to cope, she says, by being able to take part in her Church activities as well as those at
the Centre for Refugees where she engages in education, well-being and recreational groups and
is given counseling and access to psychiatrists who work with her to overcome the trauma of her
past. However, with no income, Maria cannot always afford to cover the costs of transportation
from her home to the Centre and other services.
At the Welcome Back Coffee we collected octopus cards that will be given to refugees such as
Maria so that they can afford the transportation.
A big thank you to all who donated generously.
12 AWARE November 2015
About PMQ
Chances are by now that you have visited or heard of PMQ – the newest, swankiest design
and creative hub on the heart of Hong Kong.
Opened as recently as last year, it has much to offer whether it be jewellery, home décor,
clothes or art. An innovative idea, it offers space for artists to share their talent, creative
process and goods in an exciting and casual setting. Currently PMQ houses about a 100
regular shops, with pop-ups coming up every now and again. There are also workshops held
through the year, which run the gamut from meditation to jewellery design.
At first when I walked into PMQ, what struck me most was the simplicity and utilitarian
approach to the building. Fully expecting to be greeted by a sterling example of art deco, I
was rather underwhelmed to be greeted by a simple white structure, much like a standardissue block of flats. I was not too far off the mark. PMQ of today, is a structure that has been
built, razed, built again and re-purposed through it more than 100 years old history, and its
last avatar was that of dorm-style quarters
for the police force.
The site first housed Central School, the
first government school offering western
education. This was much in demand by
the fast-growing, middle class Chinese
merchant community. Central School was
initially located on Gough Street. When
it moved to its new location on Aberdeen
Street in 1889, the name was changes to
Queen’s college. The school boasts some
very notable alumni, including Dr Sun Yatsen.
The school was closed in 1941, due to the
Japanese invasion and converted into Army Head Quarters. Unfortunately, as a result of this
the building was destroyed due to Allied bombing.
For a few years the site was unused, till it started its second run. As a way to incentivise
people to join the police force, the government decided to offer married quarters as a benefit.
There was an influx of refugees into Hong Kong at the time, and the government needed
to expand the police force. The Police Married Quarters were built on the site in 1951. The
Quarters comprised about 190 living units, spread over two blocks, as well as a Junior Police
Call Clubhouse. The building’s architecture is typical of the period - pragmatic, simple, built
with an eye on the functional and not the ornamental.
The building was vacated in 2000. Initially listed to be sold, it was discovered that the building
still preserved some structural remnants of the old Central School, having been built upon the
original structure.
Re-listed in 2009 as a project under ‘Conserving Central’, the site got its third avatar –
current day PMQ. Operating as a not-for-profit,
PMQ has refurbished and enhanced the three
original buildings while staying true to the original
structure. There are tours offered regularly that
take you through the preserved historical spots and
landmarks, including the underground foundation
remains.
Walking around PMQ, browsing through the
interesting and sometimes downright odd items
on display, I am amazed and awed by how much
history lies beneath my feet, literally.
Welcome
Welcome to AWA’s 29th Annual Charity
Bazaar, our biggest fundraising event
of the year.
When something has been done well,
over and over again, to do it once
more, but keep it fresh, is a challenge.
We’re excited to be at PMQ in Central
for the first time, and hope you’ll enjoy
the convenience and vibe of this great
location.
We’re thrilled to have 70+ vendors
bringing you an eclectic mix of gifts
and goodies, and hope you’ll enjoy a
full day of shopping.
There are so many fun places to eat
and drink in the neighborhood, we
hope you’ll find a great spot to refuel
and then, come back to check on Silent
Auction bids. We’ve wrapped all the
Lucky Lai See prizes, so trade in your
winning ticket and choose a surprise
gift to yourself (look and point, no
shaking allowed!). Hang a star on the
Giving Tree and know 100% of your gift
will go to the charity you select.
Most important of all, share the day
with friends, and have a great time!
Lisa Strunin
& Kay Suzuki
Silent Auction
This year we have an outstanding number of items on the
silent auction list that will titillate and tantalize. We have truly
delicious lots from restaurants, hampers, cooking classes, as
well as soothing and pampering from spas and salons.
Then there are the experiences. Would you like to getaway to
Cambodia or perhaps Myanmar? Or how about a stay-cation
sitting by the pool at the wonderful American Club?
Thinking of a gift for your best friend? Bid on the stunning
jewellery from Hilary Schwartz. Something for your husband?
Bid on the flight simulator or cufflinks from Patinova. Something
for your home? Bid on a gorgeous treasure from Bowerbird or
perhaps, the perfect contemporary Asian piece from Forbidden
City. You don’t have to pick one - bid on both! There are so many
wonderful items to choose from and new pieces will be added
throughout the day. And remember, you’re giving the best gift
of all with 100% of all bids go to the AWA Charities Fund!
Lucky Lai See
We’re SO tempted to tell you about the
hundreds and hundreds of Lucky Lai See prizes
you can win, but we want to surprise you this
year, so we won’t. They’re all wrapped up in
pretty packages and tied up in bows. When
you win, you pick whichever package catches
your eye and give yourself a present. And if
your ticket doesn’t win the first time around,
you can put your name on it and enter THE
SECOND CHANCE Lucky Draw at the end of
the night.
For this Christmas and Forever
LANIGER
cashmere
Special Fair Sale
- 50% off
Giving Tree
Giving back to our Hong Kong community is at the heart of AWA, a tradition of 60 years.
Building on that tradition, AWA’s Giving Tree makes its debut at this year’s Charity Bazaar. Our goal
by evening’s end is to cover the tree in golden stars, each star a gift from you to a selected charity.
Whether you make a donation from yourself, or as a gift on behalf of someone else, 100% of your
contribution will go to the charity you choose.
Find the Giving Tree
in the center of PMQ’s
Courtyard.
Charitable
Giving
Committee members
will
answer
any
questions you have
about the charities
selected for support.
Choose a charity and
a star (available in
3 sizes for HK$100,
HK$300 or HK$500).*
Put your name or a
message on the star
and hang it on the
tree.
Our heartfelt thanks to Crown Relocations for
their generous sponsorship of AWA’s Giving Tree
If your donation is on
behalf of someone
else,
Giving
Tree
gift
cards
with
a
description
of
the charity will be
available for you to
send.
*Cash, local cheques and credit cards accepted.
The Happy Shopper
By Frances Nicholls
PMQ (35 Aberdeen Street) is an easy walk from Central. Exit
C takes you out to Des Voeux Road Central, cross and walk
right until you get to Central Escalator Line Alley Shopping
Arcade where you can save your precious shopping energy
by taking the Mid-levels travelator up (it goes up from 10.30
am). Continue for about 10 minutes until you see New Look
Yorkshire Pudding or Staunton Wine Bar & Café. Continue
along Staunton Street past Elgin Street and turn right into
Aberdeen Street.
3rd floor where you can find Bamboa (sells bamboo items,
obvs!) and Soil which sells laquerware.
PMQ (former Police Married Quarters) was re-opened
to the public in April 2014. After revitalisation work the
residential units have been transformed into design studios
and shops for local designers. With a total floor area of
18,000 square metres, PMQ is a mix of well known big
retail brands (Vivienne Tam, Goods of Desire) and small
Hong Kong brands (who receive subsidised rent) and is a
destination in itself; food and shopping - what more could
you ask for?
BLOCK B (HOLLYWOOD)
Wilbur’s serves burgers and burritos as well as Asian
favourites. On the 3rd floor is Mall852.com which is one of
my favourite shops selling fun Hong Kong based items such
as bags designed to look like old Hong Kong letterboxes.
On your left as you enter is the Info Centre, pick up the
“Past & Present Heritage PMQ” leaflet – it’s facinating! Look
out for the ‘historical spots.’
PMQ is home to 100+ ‘create-preneurs’ with design studios
and pop-up stores. There’s also loads of places to eat – check
out the special discounts on the day.
PMQ itself is divided into distinct areas – Block A (Staunton),
Block B (Hollywood), QUBE which links Block A & B with
the roof garden PLATEAU on the 4th floor, Central Junior
Police Call Clubhouse (JPC) and Hollywood Garden.
Here are some of my favourite shops and eateries:
BLOCK A (STAUNTON)
Look to the left as you enter and you will see the old
letterboxes for the residences behind perspex. Floors 6 &
7 are design studios so start your journey on the 5th Floor.
A Day with Fe sells yoga stuff and next door, Cecilia Ma
sells funky clutches. They even do a clutch bag workshop
(Tel: 9662 8571 for details). Homeworks sells leatherbound notebooks, handmade soap and yummy honey with
turmeric and cinnamon. Hulu Culture is an NGO dedicated
to the preservation of Hong Kong’s culture and heritage.
S508 (Historical Spot 6) is set up to show what one of the
original married quarters looked like. If you watch the
video, CY Leung is being interviewed and he discusses
living there as a child and how the ‘naughty’ children would
slide down the granite banisters (I wonder if he was one of
those ‘naughty’ children?). Next door at S509 they show the
history of PMQ. Also on this floor is Jade Art which has a
good selection of jade and jadeite jewellery.
On the 4th floor is the rooftop garden (Historical Spot 7)
where PLATEAU interconnects Blocks A & B. Once you
have finished on the 4th floor continue downstairs to the
Phoenix Sweets on the first floor sells yummy cupcakes and
drinks which you can get in a plastic cup or pay extra and get
it in a glass mason jar which you get to keep. For the serious
coffee drinkers, next door is Coffeology. Once you get back
to the ground floor, cross over to Block B (Hollywood) and
take the lift up to the 4th floor.
On the 1st floor Alice Wild - Luscious sells fine cakes, gelato
and drinks or you can get a light bite to eat at Levain - a
bakery which also runs bread baking classes. On the ground
floor is Showcase by Bread n Butter where you can sit and
eat your food amongst the scented candles for sale.
Design Gallery promotes items by local Hong Kong designers
and has fun items such as a green banana umbrella! A good
shop for presents, they also have a branch at the airport.
CENTRAL JUNIOR POLICE CALL CLUBHOUSE (JPC)
(Historical Spot 4)
Aberdeen Street Social is located at JPC which is just
down Aberdeen Road from Block A & B. If you get there
by walking down Aberdeen Street don’t be put off by the
security guard standing outside as it is not a private Club.
Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton collaborated on this
take on modern British cuisine, a smart upmarket eatery
with high quality food - set lunches ($238 2 courses, $288 3
courses) or have high tea ($288 for two).
For a quick light bite Libertine, just across the road from
PMQ is a casual eatery which has an unlimited salad bar
at lunch for $88, so you can eat and quickly get back to the
important business of shopping!
Next door to Libertine is Soul Art Shop which promotes
traditional Chinese culture with a modern style. Selling
colourful Chinese folk art items and paintings which are
handmade in Beijing, the bright colours promote happiness
and send a positive message. The cloth tigers are believed to
ward off bad spirits and you can put these in your home for
protection. The shop also sells red or green paper umbrellas
($225 – 495) with a dragon and phoenix painted on them,
which have been treated with oil to make them waterproof.
Once you have finished shopping at PMQ if you need the
MTR head back left down Aberdeen Street. Down the hill
further is Petite Petite – an adorable bag shop where you
can also say hi to the owners two poodles Cola & Sprite. As
you continue back towards the MTR there are a plethora of
shops to entertain any last minute shopping desires you may
have.
How To Get Here!
There are
many ways
to get here!
Check this
map for MTR
and walking
directions!
We’ve
included a
taxi card
down below
for your
convenience!
Taxi Card
Show to your taxi driver!
50 years
helping
you find
your feet
We can’t wait to
show you around
In fifty years we’ve learned a lot about what makes
relocations more successful for everyone.
With experienced and knowledgeable people on the ground
in more than 60 countries we equip you well for your
relocation:
• We’llhelpyougettoknowthedestinationwellbefore
you go
• Showyouhowtomakeiteasierandmoreexcitingfor
children, and less stressful for pets
• We’lllookafteryourbelongingswithexpertpacking
and transport
• Andwhenyouarrive,wecanhelpyougetsettledquicker
and enjoy the thrill of a new place or a different culture
Tel: +852 2636 8388
hongkong@crownrelo.com
Go knowing
www.crownrelo.com/hongkong
CR ad_AWAre magazine.indd 1
10/2/2015 1:40:20 PM
FeAture
CCWM AWA Half Jan 2014 Horizontal.pdf 1 3/12/2014 5:02:32 PM
November 2015 AWAre 13
Feature
14 AWARE November 2015
Feature
A Start-up
Story
Feeling in the Pink
by Carole Atkin (UK)
This past month has been fun. My son has been
visiting from London and as I had hoped, kindly donated a
lot of his holiday to helping me with social media, Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram etc - things that to a baby boomer
are another language, but for Generation Y are their lingua
franca.
From agreeing on the vibrant pink of our logo to the
hilarity we shared while trying to shoot a video (with both
outdoor and studio footage!), we have had a blast. Even
the family dog has been roped in and asked to work with a
stuffed boot…. Chris has now returned to London with
said footage and is going to learn editing skills on a new
software package, while for me, the “holiday” is over too
and I am back on product liability testing, packaging and
website development. Trademarking is next. I am learning
to outsource on a budget and not to beat myself up too
much on the things I do not have a clue how to do.
I hope to see lots of you at the launch of my baby at the
AWA Bazaar at PMQ. Please be kind and think pink!
November 2015 AWARE 15
A s i an T o u r s
Book now for Asian Tours
All you have to do is pack your bags, get your visa and go – AWA’s Asian Tours are all-inclusive!
ASIAN TOURS 2015-2016 TRIPS
Trip Date
Destination
Sign-Up Start Date
Leader
December 2015
January 2016
March 2016
April 2016
May 2016
September 2016
Bangkok Shopping
Corregidor
Sri Lanka
Japan
Mogoa Caves - Danxia (Rainbow Mountains) – China
Bhutan
Registration On-going
Registration On-going
Almost Full! Registration On-going
November Date TBA
March Date TBA
Rebecca Wong, 9278 2727
Julie Naughton, 9028 6606
Diane Lamboley, 9020 9385
Cynthia Lackey, 6200 3222
Kate Mahjoubian, 6462 6559
Julie Naughton, 9028 6606
For more information on any trip, please contact the trip leader. The AWA office will not have the information.
The beauty of China
Mogoa Caves, Rainbow Landforms
and The Tibetan Plateau
It is no secret that China IS a popular
travel destination….for the Native Chinese
and Non-Natives alike. Join Asian Tours in
May 2016 and experience China as you’ve
never seen it. We begin our journey in
Dunhuang – where not only will we take a
camel ride to view sunset, but also visit
Crescent Moon Lake, a natural wonder of the
Gobi Desert. We spend the entire next day
exploring the world famous, UNESCO-listed
Mogoa Cave site, with its thousands of caves,
each with its own exquisite Buddhist mural.
After journeying by overnight train, we visit the world renowned
Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. The park is known for
its’ colorfully layered rock formations.
For the truly adventurous, an optional extension will be made
available where we will visit Xiahe. Considered “More Tibetan than
Tibet” this is an area known for the Labrang Monastery, the largest
Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet. We will also visit Sangke
Grassland around the village of Sangke. This area is known for its’
expansive grasslands and wildflowers in season.
16 AWARE November 2015
C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T SL o c a l t o u r s a n d a c t i v i t i e s
November
1 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
Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires
When: Wednesday, 4 November
9:45am – 12:30pm
A taster of India 1
When: Wednesday, 18 November
11:00am – 1:30pm
Working With Chocolate:
Focus on Dark Chocolate
When:Thursday, 5 November
10:00am – 1:00pm
Health and Wellness Series:
Enhance Your Personal Image
When: Wednesday, 18 November
10:30am-12:45pm
Flower Arranging –
Tree Bark Packaging
When: Friday, 6 November
10:30am – 12:30pm
Sex Ed –
What is being taught
in the schools and
what should parents know?
When: Thursday, 19 November
10:30am – 12:00pm
Walking Tour of Flower Market
with Optional Flower Jamming
When: Tuesday, 10 November
10:00am – 12:00pm
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When: Wednesday, 11 November
10:00am – 2:00pm
Jason Wordie:
Sham Shui Po Wet Market
When: Thursday, 12 November
9:45am – 12:30pm
Furnishing Your Home –
Making Wise Choices
When: Monday, 16 November
10:00am – 12:00pm
Lush
When: Monday, 17 November
10:00am – 12:00pm
Pearls and More
When: Wednesday, 18 November
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Macaroons
When: Tuesday, 19 November
10:15am – 1:30pm
Shopping Art Treasure Warehouse and
Antique Markets Zhuhai
When: Monday, 23 November
8:00am -7:00pm
Please Open Registration
immediately & close off 9 November
Heritage Festival
When: Tuesday, 24 November
9:30am -3.00pm
Not All Trade is Fair! And Not All
Trade is Coffee and Chocolate
When: Monday, 30 November
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Looking Ahead to December
You can Heal Your Life Series –
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When: Wednesday, 2 December
10:30am – 12:00pm
Sewing, Beading and Crafting
Supplies Tour Sham Shui Po
When: Thursday, 3 December
9:30am – 2:30pm
Flower Arranging –
Tree Bark Packaging
When: Friday, 4 December
10:00am – 12:30pm
Introduction to Pearl Knotting and
Necklace Creation
(Beginner and Intermediate)
When: Monday, 7 December
9:30am – 12:30pm
Working with Chocolate –
Focus on Milk Chocolate
When: Thursday, 10 December
10:00am – 1:00pm
Bethanie Private Tour
When: Wednesday, 25 November
10:00am – 12:30pm
HK Neighbourhoods
When: Wednesday, 25 November
10:00am – 2:00pm
November 2015 AWARE 17
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Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires
When:
Wednesday, 4 November
9:45am –12:30pm
Where: D’Alejo Jewelry, 9/F, On Hing Building,
No 1 On Hing Terrace, Central
Cost:
$160 members/$220 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 6, max.10
Coordinator: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484
Treasures of royalty and objects of thousands
of years of global conquest, Emeralds, Rubies
and Sapphires remain the most desirable of
the world’s gemstones. Few consumers really
understand these gemstones and some of the
surprising relatives. To buy smarter and gain an
appreciation from the gemologist and consumer’s
viewpoint, this seminar is a must. Celso D’Alejo,
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conduct this seminar in the showroom. During
this class, we will view a variety of gemstones
and see the equipment that is used to test and
grade these beautiful gemstones.
Walking Tour of the
Flower Market with
Optional Flower
Jamming
When: Friday, 6 November, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: W Workshop, Room 21, 3/F, Block H, East Sun
Industrial Bldg, 20 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong
(Closest MTR Kwun Tong, Exit B)
Cost:
$335members/ $395 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 4, max.6
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484
Kate Mahjoubian, 6264 6559
The Prince Edward Flower Market is an incredible place
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and greenery make it a photographer’s dream. For
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knowing what’s what, how long they will last, how they
should be handled, etc. can be a challenge. Today,
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arranger, will take us through the market and help us get
our bearings for successful future visits. There will be
time for shopping after the tour. For those who would
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we will return to Sophia’s Workshop for a light lunch and
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your arrangement home.
18 AWARE November 2015
Working with Chocolate: Focus on
Dark Chocolate
When:
Thursday, 5 November
10:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Kennedy Road, Wan Chai
(exact address to be provided to
attendees)
Cost:
$560 members/$620 member’s guest
Capacity: minimum 4, maximum 6
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer, 6624 4484
This 3-hour course will teach you the basics of
working with dark chocolate. First, you will make
mendicants, chocolate lollypops, and chocolate
decorations. Then you will work with moulds to
make chocolate cups and bowls. Finally, you
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Our teacher for today is AWA member Teresa
Van den Bosch. Teresa is a Belgian trained
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chocolatier and owner of Papillion au
Chocolate
Flower Arranging – Tree Bark
Packaging
When:
Friday, 6 November
10:30am – 12:30pm
Where: W Workshop, Room 21, 3/F,
Block H, East Sun Industrial
Bldg, 20 Shing Yip Street,
Kwun Tong (Closest MTR
Kwun Tong, Exit B)
Cost:
$335members
$395 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 4, max.6
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484/ Kate Mahjoubian,
6264 6559
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unique way is often a challenge. In today’s
class, our instructor, Winky, will teach us
to make a faux wood bark box by gluing
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Our arrangement will be in fall colors that
will complement our packaging. This
technique is a clever way to incorporate
different materials into a holder to match
any arrangement. This class is a hybrid
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jamming.
Winky will provide basic
instruction and teach various skills and
then the participants will be allowed to use
that knowledge to make their own version
of the sample arrangement. Please bring
a bag to carry your arrangement home.
10,000 Buddha’s Monastery
Tour
When:
Wednesday, 11 November
10:00am – 2:00pm (approx.)
Where: Admiralty MTR Station
near Café O
Cost:
$60 members
$120 member’s guest
Capacity: min.6, max. 12
Coordinator: Jane Buck, 9530 7957
Lisa Wallis, 6715 0653
Located on the mountain behind Shatin Pai
Tau Village, the Ten Thousand Buddha’s
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pavilions, one pagoda, one veranda and
literally more than ten thousand Buddha’s
of all shapes and sizes. The exquisite
9-story pagoda is the symbol printed on
the Hong Kong $100 note. Especially
interesting are the life-size colorful Arhan
Buddha’s lining both sides of the many
steps leading up to the monastery.
Lunch (optional) will follow at shared
expense.
Jason Wordie, Sham Shui Po
Wet Market
When:
Thursday, 12 November,
9:45am – 12:30pm
Where: Exit A. Sham Shui Po MTR
Station (inside station)
Finish point, Pei Ho Street
Market Building (5 min walk
to MTR Sham Shui Po)
Cost:
$375 members
$435 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 10, max. 18
Coordinators: Colleen Hall 6293 2089
Rating1: Flat walking but some steps in
the wet market at the end of walk
“Wet Markets” abound in Hong Kong.
Some are municipal markets with
everything under one roof – others are
located along the street-side. In Sham
Shui Po one of the most popular in Hong
Kong – around Ap Liu and Pei Ho Streets,
both kinds can be experienced.
Sham Shui Po is one of the older, and more
“authentic” residential districts in Kowloon
and an exploration of its market streets is
always a revelation. On this exploration
we will visit a number of produce stalls
and learn how thousands of Hong Kong
people, every day of the year, transform
various fresh and dry ingredients into
tasty, economical family meals.
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Ho Street Market to enjoy a welcome cup
of tea and of course lunch if anyone wants
to stay on.
homes. He will provide insight into how
to stretch our decorating budgets by
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how to select the right pieces destined to
become part of our permanent homes,
and in general creating a home away
from home that is both attractive and
comfortable. After John’s talk, we will be
able to walk through the showroom, have
time for shopping, and John will address
your personal furnishing questions.
Richard and Mavis will also talk about how
they purchase high quality used furniture
in Hong Kong and how those who are
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LUSH Beauty School & Skin
Care Product Making
When:
Tuesday, 17 November,
10am –12:00pm
Where: Exit D3, Mong Kok MTR
Cost:
$535 members
$595 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 8, max. 12
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484
Furnishing Your Hong Kong
Home – Making Wise
Choices
When:
Monday, 16 November,
10am –12:00pm
Where: Exit F1 Inside, Tuen Mun
Station, West Rail Line
Cost:
$100 members
$160 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 8, max. 20
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484;
This morning we will go to Hong Kong’s
largest second hand furniture store, 2nd
Chance, in Tuen Mun. Owners Mavis and
Richard Bowsie will make us welcome
in their huge warehouse of antique and
contemporary furnishings.
After a
welcome and introduction, local interior
designer, John Shostrum, will give us
advice on making wise furniture and
accessory selection for our Hong Kong
LUSH is well known around the world
for their environmentally friendly and
November 2015 AWARE 19
Or
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R Sa A
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n Nd D a AcCt Ti IvVi ItTi IeEsS
Shopping Tour: Art Treasure
Furniture Warehouse
followed by Antique Markets
in Zhuhai, China
natural bath and beauty products. They
are less well known on their beauty
school. Led by their knowledgeable
coordinator, we will receive in-depth
consultations, learn skin care routines
and practice on one another with
products used by Lush Spa therapists.
The focus of today’s session will be
on face and skin care. We will also
make our own “LUSH” facemasks and
toners. In addition, each participant
will receive a 150HKD for
LUSH products.
Pearls and More...
When:
When:
Monday, 23 November
8:00am – 6:00pm (approx.)
Register by: Noon on Monday
9 November.
No refunds after 9 November
Where: Starbucks at HK Macau
Ferry Terminal: 2/F Shun Tak
Centre, 200 Connaught
Road Central, Sheung Wan
Cost:
$620 member
$680 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 10, max. 30
Coordinators: Tracey-Lee Hayes,
913 00851
After a 70 minute Ferry Tour from
HK to Zhuhai we will be meet and
transported to start the shopping tour
at Art Treasures Gallery, which stores
and restores genuine antique Chinese
furniture and architectural relics. This
warehouse was established in 1987.
All stock is purchased directly from
end users to guarantee authenticity.
Whilst at the warehouse we will have
a lunch of Dim Sum before heading
out to shop at the Antique Markets.
Please note whilst Art Treasures are
able to ship all purchases to Hong
Kong, anything purchased at the
Markets will have to be brought home
by hand.
Please note: Cost includes roundtrip economy ferry tickets, transport
for the day, translator for the markets
and dim sum lunch. The return trip will
end at the HK Macau Ferry Terminal.
You must have your passport with at
least 6 months validity and a valid
China visa, and you’re HKID Card.
20 AWARE November
October 2015
2015
Wednesday, 18 November
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: MTR Jordan Station, Exit B1
Cost:
$60 member
$120 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 7, max. 10
Coordinators: Lisa Wallis, 6715 0653;
Diane Lamboley, 9020 9385
Join us on this unique opportunity
to meet Lindy Vasey, and view her
LJV Collection of jewelry at her
lovely apartment in King’s Park, Ho
Man Tin. Lindy’s Collection of pearl
and semi-precious stone jewelry
designed by her and other designers
also has many one-of-a-kind pieces.
While enjoying afternoon tea, kindly
provided by Lindy, she will chat with
us about pearls and will give us tips
on how to select them and other
interesting information regarding semiprecious stones. Her LJV Collection of
jewelry, which is only available for
purchase through private sales,
will be available to us with special
discounts on the day just for AWA.
It will be an opportunity for you to
have your own piece of affordable
luxury from her new collection.
Cash and local checks will be
accepted.
Cooking with Passion ‘A
Taste of India-1’
When:
Wednesday, 18 November,
11:00am – 1:30pm
Where: 41A Stubbs Road, Villa
Monte Rosa, Block C,
9th Fl., Flat 1
Cost:
$390.00 members
$450.00 member’s guest
(includes a sit-down lunch with wine)
Capacity: min. 5, max. 8
Coordinator: Lavinia Hemandas,
2838 2199
Join Lavinia Hemandas in her popular
cooking classes of ‘Cooking with
Passion’ to learn the secrets that will
excite your palate and delight your
family and guests. She will show
you how to turn simple recipes into
a gourmet’s delight! Today’s menu:
Sayel Murgh – braised chicken in
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sauce; Sabzi Pulao – fragrant basmati
rice with vegetables; Samosa – crispy
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onions & peas.
Health and Wellness Series:
Enhance Your Personal
Image
When:
Wednesday, 18 November,
10:30am – 12:45pm
Register by: Thursday, 11 November
Where: Meet inside Admiralty MTR
Station, near Exit A by Cafe O
Cost:
$310 member
$370 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 5, max. 10
Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova,
9726 2378
Do you lose credibility before you open
your mouth? It only takes 3 seconds
to create an impression, and this
determines many opportunities that
come your way! Image professional
Sonia Samtani will show you how you
can discover your personal brand,
maximize your image and seize those
opportunities. Through interactive
exercises and demonstrations, you
will:
Understand 4 parts of image and gain
tools to enhance your appearance,
behavior and communication
Identify your personal and professional
brand
Recognize value and contrast of
colors most suited to you
Discover the style lines that are most
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suited to your face and body shape
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challenges
Receive a real-time evaluation on your
current image.
This series of talks is done by one of HK’s
highly regarded personal development
practitioners, a trained image consultant,
clinical hypnotherapist, and owner of “All
About You” wellness center.
Sex Ed – What is being taught
in the schools and what
should parents know?
When:
Thursday, 19 November
10:30am –Noon
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Cost:
$200 member
$260 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 8, max. 12
Coordinators:Jane Buck, 9530 7957
Susan Trebach, 9402 2334
Parents and grandparents need to
know how their children will learn about
sexuality, human reproduction and the
nuance of romantic love, so that we can
help our teenagers face the real questions
and talk with us – the adults they know
and trust. In this session, Dr. Rosann
Santora Kao will explore the content of a
comprehensive sex education program,
discuss human sexuality and community
attitudes and review methods of birth
control and sexually transmitted diseases.
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and the impact of mass media and social
networks on beliefs and behavior will be
part of the discussion as well.
Learn to Make Macaroons
When:
Thursday, 19 November,
10:15am – 1:30pm
Where: Exit A4, Wan Chai MTR Station
Cost:
$440 members
$500 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 6, max. 12
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484
Cocoa Pin is one of Hong Kong’s best
pastry schools and is run by Pin, a
woman who loves baking, all things
chocolate and teaching. Today we are
going to learn the ins and outs of making
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be perfect for holiday gifting or delighting
your guests. We will start by learning
to make a traditional French macaroon
base. In addition, Pin will explain the
difference between French and Italian
macaroons and to which applications
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enjoying Pin’s famous hot chocolate and
some macaroons. Pin holds multiple
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from Le Cordon Blue Paris. In addition,
she is the author of 5 cookbooks.
HERITAGE FESTIVAL SERIES:
Jiao Festival of the Tang Clan
When:
Tuesday, 24 November
9:30am – 3:00pm
Where: meet at Starbucks, near the
Airport Express Check-In
Counters at IFC Mall
Cost:
$290 members
$350 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 14, max. 20
Coordinators: Regine Pocsatko,
6141 7061,
Yelena Zakharova 9726 2378
Professional
photographer
KwokLeung Paul Lau will provide insight in
understanding the historical background
regarding one of Hong Kong’s most
spectacular Heritage Festivals – the Jiao
of the Tang Clan, which only takes place
once per decade. We will follow their
colourful procession passing several
local temples from Kam Tin to Yuen Long
old town, an eye-catching event, with
hundreds of participants, a whole array
of dragon and lion dances and much
more. Before the start of the parade, we
will visit their temple and also the gigantic
bamboo halls erected for religious rituals,
vegetarian banquets, opera and puppet
shows. Don’t miss your chance to explore
this guided rare local festival and take
advantage of some unique photo-ops.
Private Tour of Bethanie
When:
Wednesday, 25 November
10:15 - 1:00pm (approx.)
Where: Taxi stand, Admiralty Station,
Exit C4
Cost:
$80 member
$140 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 10, max. 40
Coordinator: Tracey-Lee, 9130 0851
Join us on a private tour of Bethanie, an
1875 French Mission Sanatorium in Pok Fu
Lam. This remarkable architectural gem
has been lovingly restored as the home
of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing
Arts School for Film and Television. Our
guide will not only share the fascinating
history of Bethanie but will explain the
loving restoration this historical building
has undergone.
Optional – Lunch in Kennedy town, shared
expense, please bring small notes.
Please bring charged Octopus Card for
bus from Bethanie or Tram from Kennedy
back to Central. Taxi from Admiralty will
be at shared expense.
Hong Kong Neighborhood
Series – At Home in Sai Ying
Pun
When:
Wednesday, 25 November
10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Inside Admiralty MTR Station
near Café O
Cost:
$140 members
$200 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 4, max. 6
Coordinator: Cassidy Klein, 6073 5654
There are so many different places to live
in Hong Kong! Each neighborhood has
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continue our new “Neighborhood Series”
with a tour of Sai Ying Pun. With an
experienced real estate professional as
our guide, we will learn how to get there
by public transportation, wander through
some of the area’s typical apartments,
see what the local markets are like, get a
feel for what else the area has to offer and
have lunch (optional, at shared expense)
in one of the neighborhood’s restaurants.
November
October 2015 AWARE 21
T Ou Ur Rs S a AnNdD aAcCtTi I vV iI tT iI eE sS
L oL cO aC lA Lt o
Not All Trade is Fair! And Not
All Fair Trade is Coffee and
Chocolate
When:
Monday, 30 November
2:00pm – 4:00pm
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Cost:
$200 members
$260 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 8, max. 20
Coordinator: Jane Buck, 9530 7957
Textile artisans and jewelry designers, as
well as farmers, at the beginning of the
chain in the global south, rarely get a fair
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their products rival brand names. So just
what is “fair trade”? You’ve seen the fair
trade symbols on merchandise, but are
they real? In this interactive talk, social
entrepreneur Sharon Vipond of Knots &
Strokes will help us learn to make ethical
choices while shopping by learning
just what “fair trade” means and how to
recognize those items that are produced
in a socially responsible manner. Sharon
will have samples of exclusive fair trade
fashion accessories from various artistry
cooperatives available for purchase on
the day.
manifestation associated with physical
discomfort. This dis-ease in the body
is what brings you pain. This workshop
leader uses the work of renowned Dr. John
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different zones so that you can map your
physical discomfort back to the emotion
that caused it, and work towards resolving
your discomfort right from the root.
The workshop will be conducted by
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corporate trainer and coach Sonia
Samtani. Sonia is also an International
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Consultant and runs a wellness center
called All About You.
Sewing, Beading & Crafting
Supplies Tour Sham Shui Po
When:
Thursday, 3 December
9:30am –2:30pm
Where: Sham Shui Po MTR, exit C2,
ground level
Cost:
$330 members
$360 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 6, max. 10
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484
Looking Ahead to
December
When:
Your mind may be able to control or
suppress your emotions, however your
body can’t. You may have heard that the
body is an expression of your mind and
emotions. In this talk you will be able to
understand the mind-body connection
and how thoughts in the mind can trigger
painful or pleasurable emotions, which
lead to ease or discomfort in the physical
body.
Any symptom in your body is indicative of
the emotions that you are experiencing.
Holding a negative emotion in rather
than releasing it will lead to a physical
22 AWARE November
October 2015
2015
Flower Arranging – Tree Bark
Packaging
When:
Friday, 4 December
10:15am – Noon
Where: W Workshop, Room 21, 3/F,
Block H, East Sun Industrial
Bldg, 20 Shing Yip Street,
Kwun Tong (Closest MTR
Kwun Tong, Exit B)
Cost:
$260 members
$320 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 4, max. 6
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484
Kate Mahjoubian, 6264 6559
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a unique way is often a challenge. In
today’s class, our instructor, Winky, will
teach us to use a teacup and saucer
set as our packaging for a pretty holiday
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a hybrid of a highly structured class and
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instruction and teach various skills and
then the participants will be allowed to
use that knowledge to make their own
version of the sample arrangement.
Please bring a bag to carry your
arrangement home
You Can Heal Your Life series
– Mind-Body Connection
Wednesday, 2 December
10:30am – 12:00pm
Register by: Thursday, 26 November
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Cost:
$310 member
$370 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 6, max. 12
Coordinators: Yelena Zakharova,
9726 2378
to this listing, by raw material, of the
shops, their addresses and a brief
description of why Emily likes to shop
there and/or what they have is also
provided. Optional lunch at shared
expense will follow the tour for anyone
who is interested.
Do you like to sew, craft or bead/make
jewelry and want to know where to purchase
what you need here in Hong Kong? If
so, join this walking tour dedicated to all
things sewing, crafting and beading led by
Emily Hoaglin, who will lead you through
Sham Shui Po, a veritable treasure chest
of shops that have any raw materials that
you can think of to make almost anything
you can imagine. This tour combines her
separate sewing and beading tours into
one to save you time. The walking tour
will last approximately three hours and
allows time to see the shop, but not for
shopping. At the end of the escorted tour,
you will have the opportunity to return to
the shops you want to revisit. Emily has
put together a map of the area with shops
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you to take away as a reference. In
addition, she provides a supplement
Rare and Unusual
Gemstones
When:
Wednesday, 9 December
9:45am –12:30pm
Where: D’Alejo Jewelry, 9/F, On Hing
Building, No 1 On Hing
Terrace, Central
Cost:
$160 members
$220 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 6, max. 10
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484
As we continue of series with Celso D’Alejo,
we will move on to the topic of rare and
unusual gemstones. There are more than
100 different gemstone varieties, of which
the typical consumer can probably name
only 4 or 5. This seminar will introduce
us to the lesser-known gemstones that
LOCAL TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
Local tours and activities
Introduction to Pearl Knotting
and Necklace Creation
(Beginner and Intermediate)
When:
Monday, 7 December
9:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Venue on Stubbs Road near
Adventist Hospital
Cost:
$510 member
$570 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 4/max. 8
(excluding coordinator)
Coordinator: Emily Hoaglin,
ejh_creativearts@yahoo.com
Whether pearls or beads inspire you, the knotting technique
is an indispensable one for jewelry makers. In this class, you
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needed to create a necklace and tips on how to care for that
necklace. Then, you will learn the basics of the knotting technique and
how to begin and end a necklace on a clasp. At the end of this session,
you will have a completed necklace to be proud of and wear home. If you
already know the basic knotting technique, you can work on a unique design
such as a lariat, non-clasp rope, multi-strand, or whatever inspires you. Included in
the course are hangouts and instructions for making your necklace, thread, needles and
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of shapes, sizes and colours beginning at $30 per strand. If you wear glasses for close
work, please bring them with you. Exact address will be provided to participants.
are rare and beautiful, but not necessarily
expensive when compared to the big three
– diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
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gemologist and appraiser, will conduct
this hand on seminar in his showroom.
We will get to see many gemstones, learn
their characteristics, and learn how to they
are graded and valued.
the pralines in the milk chocolate. Finally,
you will learn how to decorate the enrobed
chocolates with special culinary powders
and design transfers. These chocolates
will be perfect for holiday gifting and
entertaining. Our teacher for today is
AWA member Teresa Vanden Bosch, a
Belgian trained chocolatier and owner of
Papillion au Chocolate.
Working with Chocolate:
Focus on Milk Chocolate
Registration Procedures
When:
Thursday, December 10
10am – 1pm
Where: Kennedy Road, Wan Chai
(exact address to be provided
to attendees)
Cost:
$560 members
$620 member’s guest
Capacity: min. 4, max. 6
Coordinators: Marybeth Coffer,
6624 4484
This 3 hour hands-on course will teach you
the basics of working with milk chocolate.
First, you will learn to make a praline
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Local Tour and Activity (LTA) events are
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month in which the activity will be held.
Activities being held in the early part of the
following month are open for registration
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the AWA website at www.awa.org.hk for
the most up-to-date schedule and don’t
forget to register early as many of the
events will sell out.
Refund, Cancellation and Substitution
Policies
cancels the event. Charges in excess of
the base fee are refundable if cancellation
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one full week before the activity date. For
example, if the activity is on a Tuesday,
cancellation must be received prior to
midnight of the previous Tuesday. If the
AWA cancels an event, the entire activity
cost will be automatically credited to you.
Credit notes are not transferable and must
be used within six months from the date of
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(30 June), whichever is earlier. You may
request a check in lieu of a credit at any
time before the credit expires.
Owing to the popularity of AWA activities,
many have a wait list and therefore
substitutions cannot be accepted. If you
are unable to attend an activity, please,
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place and allow someone on the waitlist
to attend.
*The $60 registration fee is purely an
administration fee. It is not donated to the
Charitable and Education fund.
Every activity includes an administrative
fee of HK$60* Member/ HK$ 120
Member’s Guest. This base fee is not
refundable at any time unless the AWA
November
October 2015 AWARE 23
ongoing activities
AWA’s Ongoing Activities
Of 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:
STiTcH:
AFTERNOON BOOK cLUB:
Sharon Mason, Sharon.masonnc@gmail.com
EVENiNG BOOK cLUB:
SPiRiTUAL LiTERAcY GROUP:
MAHJONG MADNESS:
Melissa Grove, mgrove894@gmail.com
Alison Levingston, Alison.levingston.2014@gmail.com;
Penny Van Niel, penny.vanniel@gmail.com;
Anna MacDonald, annainhk@netvigator.com)
KateWeisman, kate.weisman@gmail.com
Katherine Fenton, klfone@aol.com;
Christine Scullion, Christine_scullion@yahoo.co.uk
SOciAL BRiDGE AND LUNcH:
GAMES GALORE-MAHJONG
OR BRiDGE:
LUNcH BUNcH:
icc- iNTERNATiONAL
cOOKiNG cLUB:
GALLOPiNG GOURMET:
iTALiAN cONVERSATiON GROUP:
AWA HiKiNG:
AWA GLOBE PADDLERS
DRAGON BOAT TEAM:
Lisa Strunin, strunin.lisa@gmail.com
AWA GOLF SOciETY:
Sue Webb, golf@awa.org
24 aWare november 2015
Beth Hall, bethall@netvigator.com
Judy Lakey, carlakey@aol.com
Co-ordinator required
Marybeth Coffer, Linda Gomoll, Marybeth.coffer@gmail.com, ljgomoll@gmail.com
Giuditta Crovato, giuditta.crovato@gmail.com
Birgit Imkamp, Patti Smith, Cynthia Lackey, ihikes@awa.org.hk
Elissa Imran, elissa.imran@gmail.com;
Anne Fifer, annefifer@gmail.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
contact information
OFFICE
Phone
Fax
Hours
Address
2527 2961/2
2865 7737
9:30am – 3:30pm Mon-Thu
No.5, 11th floor, Arion Commercial Centre,
2-12 Queen's Road West, Hong Kong
Website
www.awa.org.hk
Office & Website Manager Barbora Mayer: officemanager@awa.org.hk
Membership Representative
Joanne Lam: info@awa.org.hk
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Chairperson
volunteering@awa.org.hk
Susie Edrington: volunteering@awa.org.hk
Fenwick Pier Volunteers
Carol Lampard: carol.lampard@gmail.com
Helpers for Domestic Helpers Nicola Cottrell: Nicola.nearn@gmail.com
HK Society for the Blind Kate Mahjoubian: katemahjoubian@gmail.com
Meals in the Home Marybeth Coffer: mealsinthehome@gmail.com
Ronald McDonald House
Renee Cheung: reneecheung@me.com
Trisha Cliff: miketrishcliff@yahoo.com
Soup Kitchen
Linda Wolfe: lindawolfe63@gmail.com
Riding for the Disabled
elizandjames@gmail.com
Chung Hok Elderly Centre Co-ordinator required: volunteering@awa.org.hk
Ark Eden Foundation Co-ordinator required: volunteering@awa.org.hk
Sunshine Action
Co-ordinator required: volunteering@awa.org.hk
Feeding Hong Kong Co-ordinator required: volunteering@awa.org.hk
EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP
EXECUTIVE BOARD
EXECUTIVE BOARD
president@awa.org.hk
President
Marcy LaRont: president@awa.org.hk
1st VP Fundraising
Amanda Foster: fundraising@awa.org.hk
2nd VP Membership
Sharon Mason: membership@awa.org.hk
3rd Vice President Activities
Lisa Strunin: activities@awa.org.hk
AWAre Editor
aware@awa.org.hk
Charitable Donations
Andrea Roth: charities@awa.org.hk
Community Service
Susie Edrington: volunteering@awa.org.hk
Education & Scholarship Sheila Twinn: educationscholarship@awa.org.hk
Public Relations
Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk
Recording Secretary
Kay Suzuki: secretary@awa.org.hk
Treasurer
Annie Fifer: treasurer@awa.org.hk
Online and Social Media
Angela Bellas: socialmedia@awa.org.hk
Corporate Sponsorship
corporatesponsor@awa.org.hk
SOCIAL
ACTIVITIES
3rd Vice President
activities@awa.org.hk
Lisa Strunin: activities@awa.org.hk
Asian Tours
Kate Mahjoubian katemahjoubian@gmail.com
Local 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.
educationscholarship@awa.org.hk
Chairperson
Sheila Twinn: educationscholarship@awa.org.hk
English Conversation
Sheila Twinn: dr_sheilatwinn@yahoo.com
Kwun Tong
Marti Law: martilaw@hotmail.com
Pok Fu Lam
Liz Clark: 6083 2400
Sham Shui Po Barbara Iannazzone: barbara.iannazzone@gmail.com
Chai Wan
Julie Naughton: juile.naughton@gmail.com
Ap Lei Chau
tba
Dining Etiquette
Bernice Lee: bernicelee2002@yahoo.com
Mock Interviews
Katherine Payne kepayne2506@gmail.com
Cheung Chau Reading Partners Jill Baran Scott: jbaranscott@gmail.com
Public Relations
Prestige
Christmas
gift fairs
CONRAD HONG KONG
GRAND BALLROOM
publicrelations@awa.org.hk
Chairperson
Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk
Newsletter/E-Blast Coordinator Rachel Bourke: publicrelations@awa.org.hk
Forum Moderator
Rachel Bourke: forum@awa.org.hk
MEMBERSHIP
2015
membership@awa.org.hk
2nd Vice President
Sharon Mason: membership@awa.org.hk
Buddy Program
Alison May: 9663 1250
CHAT Coordinator
Diane Lamboley: 9020 9385
Foon Ying
Kate Mahjoubian: 6462 6559
Membership Discounts
membership@awa.org.hk
OWL
Susie Edrington: susie1031e@gmail.com
WOW
Mary Barbara Hanna: mbwhanna@gmail.com
FREE ADMISSION
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
New Ideas
New Designs
New Products
A ballroom of one-stop shopping!
Fair - Mon 9 N ovember
‹ Gift & Lifestyle F
‹ Pre-Christmas Gift Parade - Wed 25 November
‹ Christmas Gift Showcase - Tues 1 December
‹ Christmas Gift Festival - Mon 14 December
Preview the fairs at: www.prestigefairs.hk
Vendor Inquiries: email admin@prestigefairs.hk
Sponsored by:
49 AWARE November 2014
Organised by:
november 2015 aWare 25