President ’ s Message
I ’ ve always found this time of year somewhat magical . The days become incredibly short and crispy cold but the holiday lights , bustling Weihnachtsmärkte , and all those wonderful baked goods bring joy and warmth .
Thanksgiving is always the start of the holiday season — and I am so grateful that we were able to continue our tradition of an AWCH Thanksgiving dinner , despite the ongoing pandemic . The opportunity for so many of our members and their family members to sit together and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner was wonderful . Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we have to be thankful for ... and despite a very long year full of uncertainties and isolation , no one was at a loss for things to name .
The decision to cancel the long-planned holiday party was not easy , but we are hoping our new Cookie Exchange platform and other small group events will keep us in touch over the holiday season . I , for one , am looking forward to staying at home and baking some cookies and sharing with others . Maybe COVID-19 has taught us how to enjoy the quiet times , too .
Our Region 5 FAWCO meeting in Vienna also happened just in time , as Austria went into lockdown a few days after this informative meeting . You can read some of the highlights of the meeting in the FAWCO pages . But , clearly , the opportunity to meet in person was the real highlight — and one is reminded how important this personal contact is and will remain .
Social Hours have provided a great opportunity to meet our many new members .
Fall has been a busy time for philanthropic activity in our club . Three major events — a flea market for Hanseatic Help , a pre-loved book sale for the Nandanvan Trust , and our annual auction for the FAWCO Target Project — were all successful and rewarding . Our members have also been busy sorting clothes at Hanseatic Help and sewing pillows and drainage bags for our From the Heart Pillow Project .
As the year comes to a close , the board members start actively preparing for our Annual General Meeting . This will be a virtual event again , ensuring that everyone has the possibility to ″ attend .″ This is also a time of retrospection — what have we accomplished this year ? And what can we do better next year ?
I look forward to seeing you all in January ... and , in the meantime , wish you all a wonderful and peaceful holiday season . with your family and friends .
My best , Carol H .
AWCH president
4 AWCH Currents Winter Edition