Activity Reviews (from February/March 2006Currents)

Erzgebirger Delight by Karen P

The Erzbegebirger region of Germany used to be an area rich in natural minerals, famous for its coal mines. At the turn of the twentieth century, the mines ran dry and the people of this wooded land needed to find another livelihood. In keeping with their creative spirit, they relied on the natural resources made available to them, once again with the use of trees. These trees provided for them the first concept of making wooden toys. Passed down through family generations, today we delight in the evolution of their craft through the nutcracker, the smoking man, the revolving pyramid, the colorful angels and much more. To learn of this special trade was the perfect event to jump into the Christmas spirit. Thanks to Tracy M for putting this event together.

Santa Came to Town by Trish F

The annual Santa Christmas Party held this year at The Hamburger and Germania Ruder Club was a special afternoon for many AWCH families. With a beautiful day and a cosy setting, right on the Alster Lake, the Glühwein, and hot chocolate warmed the winter chill accompanied by homemade cookies, Stollen and Süssigkeiten which filled everyone’s tummies. A round of Christmas carols inspired lots of festive singing and dance. When everyone’s rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” was sung loud enough, Bob Mather’s charming Kris Kringle made his exciting entrance to screams of delight from the thirty or so children. The adults were thrilled to see so many smiling faces sitting on Santa’s lap and receiving one of their first holidays treats. Many thanks to the organizational committee and those that assisted at the party: Alice L-A, Kirstan B, Tina B, Susan L-H, Tracy M and Katrin T whose efforts made the afternoon such a great success.

#5 Bus 50th Birthday Kick-Off by Becky T

Just five days into January and the club year is already off to a good start. A record number of fifteen club members and two guests kicked off the club year with the Number Five Bus Group. We met at The Factory restaurant in Hoheluft, right on the bus line. In keeping with the spirit of the club’s 50th anniversary everyone present got a special 2006 calendar decorated with the club’s birthday logo. Present were: Alyssa C, Nicola D, Thelma F, Ulrike H, Jennifer H, Shauna K, Tracy M, Karen P, Adele R, Birgit S, Shelly S, Isabel S, Becky T, Nancy T, Mary W, and guests Vanessa S and Kara W.

  Activity Reviews (from June/July 2006Currents)

AWCH 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt - April 9, 2006 by Trish F

The AWCH 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, held again this year at the Marriott Hotel Treudelberg in Poppenbuettel proved to be one of those events that brings smiles to all those involved. From the youngest of egg hunters to all the helpful parents, over 300 eggs were retrieved from the hotel grounds on a sunny, cold, and blustery April morning. The hotel's extensive breakfast buffet served as a scrumptious pre-Easter starter, and those families attending left happily full, both in chocolate-laden Easter baskets and tummies!