AWCH news & Events
President ’ s Message
President ’ s Message
Dear Club Members ,
End of summer . Although it is only the beginning of August as I write this , it certainly feels like summer is ending — my husband and I are driving back to Hamburg ( and stuck in a Stau ), the schools in Hamburg are about to start , the weather has turned cool again , and I keep getting messages from members coming back . Back from the States — visiting family and friends or maybe even visiting one of the many beautiful US national parks . Whereas many of us stayed close to Hamburg but took advantage of the AWCH summer challenge “ Every Mile Counts ” to visit 20 national parks from the comfort of our armchairs , albeit after accumulating many extra miles by biking , hiking , running , or gardening . What fun it has been to cheer each other on as we traveled from one milestone to the next and to remember our own real trips to a national park .
US Independence Day came and went without our traditional BBQ . However , utilizing the talents of our AWCH members , we were able to put together a wonderful virtual event to celebrate the day with music , quizzes , and an informative talk about the US flag . And weren ’ t those goodie bags a treat ? “ Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack …” the organization with a check for € 4,000 that was raised by our club members to purchase 1,600 pairs of women ’ s underwear , an essential need that often gets overlooked . In another show of the philanthropic spirit of our club , the From the Heart Pillow Project held another successful bagel sale fundraising event .
Finally , to slowly transition from virtual to in-person events , board members have started a social hour held every two weeks at various times and places to give members a chance to meet up and discuss whatever they want . This is a good time to reunite with other members and to meet some of our new members . This summer we have welcomed four new members — Regina L ., Karen S . -T., Dorothea S ., and Marilya R . We look forward to meeting them in person and do hope that AWCH provides a platform for them to form friendships , to support each other , and to make a difference .
Looking forward to meeting many of you at our End of Summer celebration in September .
Best wishes , Carol H .
AWCH president
Another highlight of the summer was our Refugee Day event in June , in which a small group of members gathered at the Hanseatic Help headquarters to learn more about our selected local charity . This organization has provided tremendous support for the many refugees coming to Hamburg since 2015 , and this energy is now being funneled to help many other needy women and men here in Hamburg . It was an inspiring event . I was proud to present
4 AWCH Currents Winter Edition
Photo of Death Valley National Park by Carol H .