PRESIDENT'S PONDERINGS

by Mindy Vinther

So, it’s the dead of winter here in New Zealand and the birds are chirping, the grass is green, winter flowers and fruit are blooming and we have had some lovely sunny days. And most of us still complain about winter here. I guess in our fantasies before we moved here we thought that a “sub-tropical island” equaled hot weather all year round.

I don’t know about you but I came from Colorado where getting out of your driveway in the winter was a huge ordeal, and don’t let me get started on the scary driving in the snow and ice, or how my nose hairs would freeze when I walked out the door! BURRRRR!!!!!!

Then in the summer it was so hot and dry that we did Indian Rain Dances just to bring rain and when that did not happen we just had lots of very dangerous forest fires.

So, I am as happy as can be living in NZ. Although it has been a bit quiet around here with most of my friends in the states to lap up the HOT weather, although probably a little hotter then they bargained for.

This has been a great time to organize closets, read books, cook yummy food and just lay low for a while. For when the “Silly Season,” arrives we will all be going in all directions again.

Duri,ng the quiet season it is nice to still have the joy of knowing there is an AWC meeting every month plus the Birthday lunch in winter and this year of course the wonderful but rainy 4^th of July Party hosted by Myrna Viera, Grace Nisbet and Josey Cleave.

As our wonderful past President and friend to so many Nancy Philip used to say, “grow where you are planted,”and I must say I have grown so much since moving here.

Cheers, Mindy

 PURPOSE

Our purpose is to make your life a little easier and perhaps happier while you live here. Members in the club can offer you a wealth of information. Many of our members have been here for years; some are war brides who married American GI’s, others have married Kiwis and decided to move here.

Some of us are here because we have chosen to live here. Others are here with American companies for a few years or until the new assignment arrives. We range in age from twenty to ninety plus! Geographically, we cover a very large portion of the greater Auckland and beyond.

You will probably find someone in the club who lives relatively close to you who can offer suggestions for everyday comforts: grocery store, butcher, hair salon, babysitters, where to look for certain items. You may even find someone from your old neighbourhood or at least the same time zone. Someone in the group is bound to know the answer to whatever question you may have. `

Founded in 1942, The American Women's Club of Auckland, New Zealand is a voluntary non-profit organization. Recently, our club became a member of the Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas (FAWCO) giving us a global perspective, in addition to our local charities.

Our club aims too:

To promote mutual goodwill, understanding, respect and co-operation between members of the Club and the New Zealand community.
To assist new American residents in adjusting to life in New Zealand.
To contribute time and/or financial support to a charitable organization as approved by the membership.
To maintain an American atmosphere within the Club by observing traditional holidays and activities.

Many of our organized activities occur on Thursdays. On the first Thursday of the month a coffee morning is held at a member's home. It is a good time to get better acquainted and catch up on the latest with everyone. On the second Monday, a book group meets at a member’s home. The evening group meets either the 2nd or 3rd Thursday of the month; meeting places vary between homes and restaurants. On the third Thursday of the month, a general meeting is held at various venues as announced by our newsletter. The doors open at 10 am for a coffee which precedes the meeting. A guest speaker is usually part of the monthly meeting. The Executive Committee has regular monthly meetings. Other interest activities include such things as walking group, outings, and celebrations to mark special occasions such as the 4 th of July, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day (usually held at the Museum), Christmas, and our club’s own birthday party.

We are pleased you have shown interest in the American Women's club in Auckland. We look forward to your participation and hope you plan to join our club.