President ’ s Message
Dear AWCH members ,
Aren ’ t these long , sunny days magical ? How quickly we forget the short , dark days of winter . This year , the magic seems even more intense as we quickly return to a “ pre-pandemic ” feeling of meeting up with friends and enjoying all the wonderful things that Hamburg has to offer .
Spring was kicked off with a BANG as 35 AWCH members met together at the Horizon Restaurant on May 14 — surrounded by beautiful spring flowers . The festive mood was felt as soon as the first guest arrived and lasted all week , as we had the opportunity to bring a small bouquet home with us . We experienced many surprises as questions were popped during our “ spring chicken ” gift exchange . What a unique way to get to know some of our members better .
Another wonderful opportunity to meet up with our members was the New Members ’ Welcome Coffee hosted by our honorary president , Yumi Akins , at the residency of the US Consul General . In addition to board members , many of the women who lead the different groups in our club were able to join us and introduce the many activities that our club hosts . Extra special was the kind and sincere welcome and introduction by Yumi Akins , which instantly made us feel right at home . Thank you , Yumi !
Our newly launched Moms ’ Connections group also pulled many new members together at an Easter brunch in Duvenstedt . Great fun for the kids ! Spring also saw many groups that had been semi-dormant over the COVID-19 pandemic get active again , including our Theater , Opera , German Practice Circle , Environmentally Mindful , and Harbor Explorers groups . Really a time of rebirth !
Six club members from Hamburg , including Cat C ., Anna S ., and Carol H ., attended FAWCO ‘ s Interim Meeting in Luxembourg in May . ( Photo courtesy of Carol H .)
Finally , I cannot forget to mention the FAWCO Interim Meeting held in Luxembourg that six of our members attended in May . Please read the report of the meeting in this issue — lots to celebrate , including the awarding of an Educational Grant to our member Brooke Viertel and the awarding of Developmental Grants to BOTH of our nominations for projects supported by the Nandanvan Trust in India .
As the summer flowers slowly take over from the spring bouquets and the long days get warmer , I hope that you all find the time from your busy schedules to join in on some of our activities . It is like a breath of fresh air to share time with women with similar interests as we learn , enjoy , and support others — as well as each other .
Best wishes , Carol H .
4 AWCH Currents Spring Edition