January 2018 Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 5
A Word from our President
Hello everyone,
After celebrating a series of festive holidays, finally the year 2017 is walking toward the end. Looking back at the year, IWAT members have celebrated many happy memories together. We tried to capture every moment as much as we could. We also worked very hard to do fundraising on many IWAT activities. At the end of this year, we were able to donate NT$100,000 to the IWAT member-chosen charity group – the aboriginal Toda elementary school- for improving school equipment to help them connect with the world outside of their remote mountain area.
Many members come to IWAT not only to meet friends or to share Taichung living information, but also to help serve the local community. Any funds we donate help improve the lives of others. At the January Luncheon, we will be selecting a new charity for the Spring. Please bring the name of a charity you love with you or email me your ideas!
Being an expat, there are high seasons and low seasons in our lives. No matter the season in which you find yourself, I hope being part of IWAT brings joy to your life. We are investigating even more meaningful and fun activities in the new coming year. As always, we look to you for ideas and inspiration. I would like to thank all board members who have dedicated their time to plan all the activities and maintain the administrative work for our organization. Thanks also goes to you all, the members, who support our events, activities, and charities. Let’s empower our love and caring to each other and to our community!
Wish you all have prosperity new year. See you in 2018!
Jessica Wang
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CLICK LINKS (if available) ON THIS NEWSLETTER TO JOIN IN or JUST EMAIL iwatpresident@gmail.com
January January 10 11am-2pm New Year Lunch-The Landis
January 17 10am-12pm Book Club (Carry On Warrior)
January 24 8:30am-4:00pm Pottery Workshop and Tour
January 31 10am-12pm Coffee Morning (Jing)
February February 7 12pm-2pm Casual Lunch
Charity Corner
Have a local charity that you would like to donate to? Please bring your ideas to the January Luncheon at the Landis. We will be choosing a new charity for the spring. We will provide nomination forms at lunch for you to put in your request.
By the numbers...
December Luncheon NT$2700
December Coffee Morning: NT$1400
Giving...
TODA School NT$100,000
Hospitality Committee Notes
Chinese New Year Charity Giving Lunch
Date: January 10
Time: 11am-2pm
Location: The Landis
RSVP via LINE or email iwatpresident@gmail.com
Events:
1. Lion Dance-Bring your money! We'll provide the red envelope and feed the Lion! (All proceeds go to our charities of 2018)
2. Presentation of Donation to the TODA school
3. Nominate a new charity for our Spring 2018 fundraising and giving!
Hwa Tao Yao Pottery & Ecological Garden + Sanyi Carpentry Street
Date: January 24th, 2018
<Option 1. Bus Ride> Limited 20 seats Time: 8:30-18:30 Price: NT $1,500 / person
<Option 2. Carpool> Seats available depending on the volunteer drivers Suggested Schedules: 8:30-16:00 or 8:30-18:30 Price: NT $1,250 /person
<Itinerary>
8:30-8:45 Meeting Time 9:30 Arrive at Hwa Tao Yao Kiln and Ecological Garden
10:00-11:45 A Guided Tour of the Ecological Garden
12:00-12:45 A Traditional Chinese Style Lunch ( vegetarian dishes are available )
13:00-14:45 Pottery Making Lesson DIY (If you would like to get your object fired and shipped, there will be additional charges)
15:00 Sanyi Carpentry Area + Scenic Spots
(Carpool riders might want to head back to Taichung at this time)
18:30 Back to Taichung
Fee includes entrance fee, guide, insurance, lunch, pottery lesson, bus, gas for volunteer drivers. Please pay in advance for reservations. Please note that there might not be a full refund if cancelled by personal reasons.
BOOK CLUB NOTES
January Book Club Selection:
Carry On Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life
by Glennon Doyle Melton
(Click book cover for an interview of the author)
A hilarious and poignant reflection on our universal (yet often secret) experiences have inspired a social movement by reminding women that they’re not alone. Glennon's writing invites us to believe in ourselves, to be brave and kind, to let go of the idea of perfection, and to stop making motherhood, marriage, and friendship harder by pretending they’re not hard. In this one woman’s trying to love herself and others, readers will find a wise and witty friend who shows that we can build better lives in our hearts, homes, and communities.
From the Membership Desk...
Have you renewed your membership? Contact Belle or Sachiko via LINE for help! Or contact iwatpresident@gmail.com to arrange payment.
Our annual membership dues of NT$1500 allow IWAT to provide:
IWAT Membership Card w(Yoyo/Easy Card with NT$100 deposit)
Gift for your birthday (given at the luncheon of your birthday month)
End-of-year benefits and gifts
Funds for charity
All functioning costs of the organization
Volunteer Opportunities
Coffee Morning, Potluck Luncheon and Book Club
Hostesses needed! Please contact Gemma or Linda via LINE for details on available dates.
For other opportunities, email iwatpresident@gmail.com to get involved!
