Doors opened at 4 p . m ., and | |||
Monika M . and Melanie M . got | |||
right to work handing out nametags | |||
and checking in members | |||
and their guests according to | |||
the 2G + protocols set in place . | |||
Once the majority of people | |||
were seated , our club president | |||
, Carol H ., welcomed new | |||
club members from 2020 and | |||
2021 and special guests Yumi A . | |||
( honorary AWCH president ) and |
her husband , Consul General |
few toasts , and reconnect with |
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Darion Akins . All were happy |
friends at-long-last seen . Before |
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to hear from Consul General |
dessert was served , Susan B . |
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Akins , who brought greetings |
and her charming daughter |
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and anecdotes about his large |
Vivian ( 8 ) read selected senti- |
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family ’ s rich holiday traditions |
ments shared by members on |
||
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being continued by his 30 to 40 aunts and uncles and innumerable cousins back in Texas . He also shared a touching moment as he mentioned that Hamburg has been the first assignment where all three members felt at home . Many of us can relate , I ’ m sure !
The turkey buffet was opened to nearly 80 guests , including 14 children , and people excitedly moved back to their tables to enjoy the meal on their loaded plates , share a
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the “ What I am thankful for …” cards placed at each seat — a tradition many have come to anticipate and love in sharing their gratitude .
This year was a particular success , considering that looming threats of COVID-related lockdowns nearly cancelled our celebration . The Hamburger Polo Club provided a new location for us all to eat , drink , and be merry , while parents conversed and children explored the grounds outside . Everyone
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who walked into the dining area passed by a bountiful donation to our annual canned food drive for the Hamburger Tafel . And bid winners had another opportunity to collect their treasures from our recent charitable event , the AWCH Online Auction for Hope .
Special thanks go to all the women who organized this heart-warming and successful event , and to Carol S ., who provided the recipe for the
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stuffing and sweet potatoes .
Thanks are also in order for the
numerous members who added
to the cornucopia of food donations
to the Hamburger Tafel .
Your thoughtful donations were
hand-delivered by Holly T . and
Susan S . -W .— danke schön , ladies
! All in all , it was a beautiful
way to come together and ring
in the holiday season . Happy
holidays to you !
Photos by Jordan W . and Susan B .
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6 AWCH News & Events |