Spring is in the air – flowers are starting to blossom, there will be leaves on the trees before you know it, and the streets will be full of….tourists!! Welcome to Fallas, Everyone!

For those of you staying in town, enjoy all the fireworks and ninots and churros! And both before and after Fallas, you can enjoy all the great events that the IWCV has planned for you. Keep reading to find out what they are and how to sign up, and don’t forget to check the IWCV website periodically as new events are being added all the time!
IWCV FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE, Tuesday 4 March, 10:30am - Noon at the Café behind the MUVIM Museum. Open to all women of Valencia, both members and those who have not officially joined us yet. No need to register in advance, just stop by for a cuppa and a chat!
PERUVIAN CUISINE COOKING CLASS, Saturday 8 March. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV and Out-of-Town Guests. Experience the flavors of Peru in an intimate cooking class. The menu (which you will enjoy eating too!): Ceviche and Variety of Tiraditos, Ají de Gallina (Chicken chili), Causa Limeña (Lima Cause), Papas Huancaína (Huancaina potatoes), and Meringue Limeño. Please sign up by 4 March. To register, go to Peruvian Cuisine Workshop | IWC - Valencia
A DAY IN THE ORANGE GROVES OF VALENCIA, Monday 10 March, 9:30am – 2:30pm. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV and Out-Of-Town Guests. Step into the heart of Valencia’s citrus culture with a visit to an historic orange farm where tradition, nature, and flavour come together. Join Beyond Valencia Trips for an unforgettable day surrounded by lush orange groves, the scent of fresh citrus in the air, and a deeper understanding of this region’s most iconic fruit. A picnic lunch is included. For complete details and to sign up, go to A Day in the Orange Groves of Valencia | IWC - Valencia
FELLOWS OF THE IWCV HAPPY HOUR, Wednesday 12 March, 7:00pm – 9:00pm at Gran Martinez Cocktail Bar, Avenida del Port 318 Bajo. Open to everyone! No need to register in advance; just stop by to see old friends and make new ones! For complete details, click here: IWCV FELLOWS HAPPY HOUR | IWC - Valencia
LEGAL ESSENTIALS FOR EXPATS – SESSION 4, Tuesday, 25 March, 11:00am – 12:30pm, Calle de Colón, 10. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. Join us for a practical presentation by Javier Hernández, founder and attorney at Solicitor Valencia. With 20 years of experience, Mr. Hernández specializes in guiding expatriates through Spanish legal matters. For complete details and to register, click here: Legal Essentials for Expats | IWC - Valencia
HISTORICAL TALK WITH DAVID: THE IBERIANS, Wednesday 26 March, 11am – 12:30pm, near the Abastos. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV and Out-of-Town Guests. This second in our series of historical talks with David of Ars Magna takes us all the way back to the days of the Iberians in Valencia. For complete details and to register, click here: The Iberians | IWC - Valencia
IWCV “OWL” HAPPY HOUR, Wednesday 26 March, 6:00pm at Taberna La Mora, C/San Francesc de Borja 1 (at C/Marques de Zenete). Open to IWCV members, partner/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV and guests. No need to sign up in advance; just stop by for a drink, a chat, and to make new friends!
MAKE MAGIC WITH MARTIN – A MAGIC CLASS TO SUPPORT CASA RONALD VALENCIA, Thursday 27 March, Noon to 1:30pm on Calle de Jesus near Gran Via Ramon y Cajal. Open to IWCV members only. Join local magician Martin Kaplan for an interactive Magic Class, where you’ll learn a few dazzling tricks to impress your friends and family. This magic class will also work a little magic for the children at Valencia’s Ronald McDonald House, as all proceeds will be donated to Casa Ronald. For complete details and to sign up, click here: MAKE MAGIC WITH MARTIN – A MAGIC CLASS TO SUPPORT CASA RONALD VALENCIA | IWC - Valencia
WHERE WATER ONCE FLOWED: THE BRIDGES OF VALENCIA – A CULTURAL WALKING TOUR WITH DAVID OF ARS MAGNA, Thursday 3 April, 10:30am – 12:30pm, open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Curious to learn more about the Turia park and its bridges? Don’t miss the delightful walk, where history and architecture blend seamlessly with nature. For complete details and to register, go to Where Water Once Flowed: The Bridges of Valencia - A Cultural Tour with David of Ars Magna | IWC - Valencia
PRESENTATION BY THE AMERICAN CONSULAR AGENT IN VALENCIA, Friday 4 April, 3:00pm – 5:00pm at C/de Timoneda 6. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the services offered by our American Consulate for U.S. citizens residing in Spain. Katherine Matles, our American Consular Agent in Valencia, will share essential information about the available services and discuss the legal requirements for "end-of-life" procedures. For complete details and to register, go to Presentation by the American Consular Agent in Valencia | IWC - Valencia
MEMBERSHIP
Janine Forbes, VP Membership
New members and re-joiners in February 2025,
Welcome to our new members!
Aileen Raskin USA
Alicia Bertschinger Spain
Carol Ann Fila USA
Cindy Chaubard France
Elizabeth Miller USA
Elizabeth Zipse USA
Evelyn Smith USA
Fiona Ward Ireland
Isabel Navarro Spain
Janet Reinecke USA
Judith Cuitisse Belgium
Julie Buchholz USA
Jurgita Ludaviciene Lithuania
Katrina Migliore USA
Nuria Sanmartin Spain
Patricia Kittner USA
Happy Birthday to all our March ladies!
Carol Ann Fila
Chloe Marquez
Gail Gillis
Inez Reser
Janet Reid
Jean Freed
Kay Gerken
Linda Kearney
Maria Reiff
May Leong
Missy Anobile
Patricia Cooper
Patricia Murray
Rosemary Mc Grath
Taryna Hughes
Our membership numbers go from strength to strength with women joining us in our wonderful community from all over the world. As is usual in January, some members moved on, returned to their home countries and did not renew, so as is typical at this time of year, we took a dip to 212. This number is quickly growing again and I am certain we will exceed our end of 2024 numbers in 2025. Fully registered members now stand at 255.
Our regular Coffee Morning takes place next Tuesday, March 4th at Muvim Cafe. If you are new you will spot us easily. At the last meeting over 50 members and friends arrived meaning we needed lots more chairs! It is lovely to see and catch up with existing members and to welcome new friends.
A reminder that any newer member who would like to meet up with a local neighborhood Ambassador can contact Famke at fgrootswagers@gmail.com who will be happy to put you in touch with a member in your neighborhood. Famke is also looking for anyone interested in becoming an Ambassador. With so many new members, it is very rewarding and much appreciated when existing members lend a helping hand to newer members who live in their area. For more information, please contact Famke at the e mail above.
Remember, all the really useful information about the group is on the IWC website. If you would like to join one of the many Whatsapp groups just contact the relevant lead member or any Board Member including myself at janine_forbes@hotmail.com. If you know any women in your personal network who you think would enjoy our club, please pass on www.iwc-valencia.com and bring them along to an event.
CHARITIES & FUNDRAISING
Pauline Fitzgerald, VP – Charities
The year is moving fast but our charities still need our support. To make personal donations please see below bank details for Proyect Vivir, Casa Caridad & Casa Ronald
Proyecto Vivir ES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123
Casa Caridad La Caixa: ES47 2100 0736 0022 0061 23102.
Banco Sabadell: ES75 0081 7352 4300 0105 7311
Casa Ronald ES27 0081 1518 9300 0150 8057
Those of you who would like to support Casa Ronald and make some magic at the same time, come to local magician Martin Kaplan’s magic class on Thursday 27 March. You will have fun, learn a few tricks to impress your family, and help the families at Casa Ronald at the same time – proceeds will be donated to Casa Ronald! See above for details or go to MAKE MAGIC WITH MARTIN – A MAGIC CLASS TO SUPPORT CASA RONALD VALENCIA | IWC - Valencia
For any of you who would like to support Casa Ronald on a more regular basis you can be part of The Ronald McDonald House family in Valencia. Every year this house next to La Fe Hospital hosts more than 200 families with seriously ill children who need to be close to them during their recovery. Funding the high costs of maintaining this home needs help; that is why they invite us to join their great family in a very simple way that generates a lot of stability: Becoming a family member. You decide how much and how often you can contribute. Every amount no matter how large or small helps in such a big way. https://participa.fundacionronald.org/sociocasaronaldvalenciaCasa
Ronald thanks us for our support and also for helping to create a home away from home for those families experiencing such difficult times.
As always Ladies, thank you for your continued support
ACTIVITIES
Susan Burke March, VP—Activities
Hola Todas!
This month you can learn how to prepare a delicious Peruvian meal with Chef Carmelo. Why not give it a try? All the details are on the IWCV website at Peruvian Cuisine Workshop | IWC - Valencia, but you have to sign up by 4 March!
We also continue our series of historical & cultural talks with David of Ars Magna this month. David will take us back in time to the days of the Iberians – see above for details or click here: The Iberians | IWC - Valencia
And Pau, of Beyond Valencia will take you on a citrus adventure, with a tour that includes
✔ Guided Orchard Tour – Walk through sun-drenched groves and uncover the rich history and secrets of Valencia’s legendary oranges.
✔ Hands-On Orange Picking – Pluck juicy, ripe oranges straight from the tree and taste them at their freshest!
✔ Citrus Tasting Experience – Indulge in a delicious spread of fresh oranges and artisanal citrus-based treats.
✔ Local Traditions & Sustainability – Learn how generations of farmers have perfected their craft while embracing eco-friendly practices.
✔ Relaxing Picnic in the Groves – Soak in the beauty of the orchard as you enjoy a delightful outdoor picnic. Come for the oranges, stay for the experience.
You won’t want to miss it! Click here for all the details: A Day in the Orange Groves of Valencia | IWC - Valencia
Don’t forget you can learn about all of our on-going activities that meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly – and find the contact details for all the groups’ coordinators – on the IWCV website at Activities | IWC - Valencia
If you have an idea for an ongoing activity that you would like to coordinate, please contact me by email to activities@iwc-valencia.com or by WhatsApp to +34 651 858 463
FELLOWS OF THE IWCV
Carey Hepler, Coordinator
This month’s Fellows Happy Hour is on Wednesday 12 March. Check out more information on the Events page of our website. Everyone is invited and we are looking forward to seeing you there!
Sigve Mauritzen is restarting his Photography group, so interested parties should contact him via WhatsApp (+47 902 80 570).
Andrew Anderson is looking for anyone interested in playing Pádel or Golf. His WhatsApp is +1 703 403 4704
The Fellows of the IWCV is open to all men of Valencia. For questions or to join, please contact me (Carey Hepler) at carey.hepler@gmail.com.
MARCH HOLIDAYS IN VALENCIA
Wednesday 19 March St. Joseph’s (San José) Day
(Plus FALLAS, of course – it’s all month!)
Enjoy Fallas, everyone, wherever you may be!
Jane Buck,
President
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