What has meant most to you about the club ? Friendship and support . I also loved the travel — the club used to regularly organize trips to other cities . The Opera Group , of which I was an original member , still does a trip abroad every year . I have the greatest admiration for the professionalism of Elizabeth R ., who not only prepares us for the operas we see together with lively , well-researched presentations , but arranges lunches with the opera singers themselves . This is a wonderful way to experience what a musical country Germany is .
Any advice for new members ? Participate in as many activities as possible and extend your network within the club and your knowledge of Hamburg with the help of the club .
NANCY F .
Member since 1977
When and how did you come to Hamburg ? I met and married a German doctor when I was working as a nurse in Boston . We moved to Hamburg in 1975 when our kids were 9 and 12 .
How did you find out about AWCH ? I met a member in the checkout line at a supermarket .
Nancy F . ( L ), Nancy B . ( C ) and Carol G . ( R )
What was AWCH like back then ? It was a lunch club where all members knew each other . We occasionally visited museums or another town together .
Do you have a favorite AWCH activity or event ? I especially enjoyed the Handarbeits Gruppe , now known as Stitch ‘ n ’ Bitch , because of the group ’ s creativity , activity , and for the lifelong friends made there !
You were quite active in the club in the late 1970s and early ’ 80s . Your friends remember you helping to organize the monthly program , hosting newcomer coffees , and putting together restaurant listings . You kept the board on track as parliamentarian one year and served as welcoming coordinator later . After that you were less active . Why ?
There was a big turnover in AWCH back then — lots of members were here because of their husbands ’ temporary postings . Though I remained in the club , I also joined the German-American Women ’ s Club , which had more permanent members . I preferred putting my energy into the philanthropic causes they supported — that was and still is their focus .
How has AWCH changed over the years ? I have great respect for what AWCH and FAWCO have become today . I like the focus on improving the lot of women and the emphasis on keeping ex-pats connected to the US as voting citizens . I like the current professionalism in the club , which began with the wonderful Film Group reviews and now has extended to lots of other areas in the club .
How have you benefitted from the club ? I will be eternally grateful for the AWCH / FAWCO scholarship , granted to my daughter in 1984 while she was attending Smith College !! She is now a professor of American History at the University of Minnesota .
You moved back to the US , where your kids live , last summer but renewed your AWCH membership in January . Why ? To stay connected to my friends and Hamburg , aided by the club ’ s wonderful Currents and the newsletter , which I wouldn ’ t want to miss .
Do you have advice for new members ? Try out different groups and become involved if you can . But even if you can ’ t , stay connected — the club is a terrific resource ! www . awchamburg . org 25