March Newsletter

Fallas is upon us! It seems to start earlier and earlier each year. For those of you experiencing this amazing festival for the first time, enjoy it! Pick and choose what you want to see and do – trying to do everything is admirable, but likely way too much to really fit in! We know that many of you – especially those of you with fur babies – will be out of town for the duration. Do enjoy your trips wherever you may go! We’ll see you all when you’re back.

We are sad to announce that Norma Acland, our Board Secretary, has resigned her position,

but we are thrilled to take a minute to introduce you all to our newest Board member Lisa

Guinn who has been appointed to fill the Secretary position for the remainder of Norma’s

term. (Some of you may already know Lisa as our newest mahjong teacher!) Welcome on

Board, Lisa – we’re looking forward to working with you to keep the IWCV running for

everyone!

We had hoped to be able to announce the meeting place and route for the International

Women’s Day Parade on Sunday 8 March, but no matter where we look there just don’t seem

to be any details published yet. So, for now, let’s all plan to wear purple on that day to

show our support for this year’s celebration. If we get details of the parade in time, we

will let you all know where to meet!

Even though we won’t be having as many events as usual during this Fallas month,

PLEASE don’t wait for the mid-month reminder email or the monthly Newsletter to find

out what’s happening! Events fill fast so it is much better to check what’s on offer

periodically. Just go to our website (iwc-valencia.com) a few times a week, click on

“Events” and scroll down the whole page to see everything that’s available. If you see

something of interest to you, just click on the event for complete details and to sign

up. IF YOU FIND THAT AN EVENT IS ALREADY FULL, PLEASE EMAIL

PRESIDENT@IWC-VALENCIA.COM TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST. YOU WILL

THEN BE NOTIFIED IF A PLACE BECOMES AVAILABLE. THERE IS NO CHARGE TO

JOIN A WAITLIST!

Here’s what we’ve got planned for you so far in the coming months!

FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING, Tuesday 3 March, 10:30am – Noon, AT A NEW

VENUE: on the terraza at Restaurante La Pizca de Sal, Plaza Santa Ursula 3. (What a great

name – “The Pinch of Salt” Restaurant!). The terrace sits just behind the Quart Towers, just

off C/de Guillem de Castro. 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 – and don’t forget to ask about their special selection of tostadas and pastries prepared especially for us! And, please do bring your donations for Casa Caridad – see below under “Charities” for more details.

For complete details on the following events, and to register for them, please go to the Events page of the website.

NEW MEMBERS MEET-UP, Wednesday 4 March, 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Jane Buck’s home.

Open to IWCV members only. Come join this get-together to welcome new members joining in the last 6 months. Longer-term members who would like to meet newer members are also invited!

DESIGN YOUR LIFE: A PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOP FOR HEALTH, HAPPINESS

& WELL-BEING, Thursday 5 March, 3:30pm to 5:30 pm at Cathy Cleaver’s home. Open to

IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Are you ready to start your journey toward a more intentional and flourishing lifestyle? Join us for an engaging 90-minute presentation and workshop to help you build a life in which to truly thrive.

TAI CHI WITH NATALIA – on two different sets of dates at Oleka Yoga Studio. Open in the

afternoon on 5, 12, and 26 March to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the

IWCV and out-of-town guests; and open in the evening on 9, 23, and 30 March o IWCV

members only. This is a great opportunity to join us for three calm, welcoming Tai Chi sessions in the beautiful Oleka Yoga Studio. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have experience, you’ll feel right at home.

CREATIVE NUDE FIGURE DRAWING WITH LEAH, Wednesday 11 March. Open to IWCV

members and their female out-of-town guests. In a safe, welcoming, and intimate setting,

we’ll delve into the art of figure drawing together. No prior experience is necessary - whether

you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s barely picked up a pencil, Leah will guide you

step by step, helping you discover new perspectives and skills.

A TOUR OF CASA RONALD MCDONALD, Thursday 12 March, 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Open to

IWCV members only. Don’t miss this rare special opportunity to visit Casa Ronald and

understand the wonderful work that is carried out there. At Casa Ronald, families of children

with serious illness receiving treatment at La Fe Hospital are hosted free of charge as these

families have to move to Valencia to be close to their children.

MARCH FELLOWS HAPPY HOUR, Thursday 12 March, 6 PM at El Cremaet, Pl. del Pintor

Segrelles, Extramurs. Open to everyone - Join us at Bar El Cremaet to see your old friends and make some new ones! No need to sign up in advance. March Fellows Happy Hour | IWC - Valencia

FALLA PLAZA DEL PILAR EXPERIENCIA, Friday 13 March, 10am – Noon at the Casal Falla

Plaza del Pilar. For IWCV members only who have not attended this event in the past. Join us

“Inside the Fence” for a behind-the-scenes close-up view as one of the largest fallas in

Valencia is built. Emilio, our expert guide, will explain this year’s monumental construction and its meaning. We will watch fallero artists at work and perhaps meet one of the main artists. (This event is currently full, you may email President@iwc-valencia.com to join a waiting list.

REFURBISH OR BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME, Tuesday 24 March, 4:00pm – 5:00pm at

Spaces Cabo Office. Open to IWCV Members, Members Partners/Spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. This month, we’re pleased to welcome Maria Aucejo, an architect from EMA

ESTUDI as our guest speaker. In this talk, she will explain the process of a home construction

or renovation project with expertise, organization, active listening, and plenty of empathy, so

that the client will never again be afraid to embark on such a journey.

THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR IN VALENCIA - A Guided Walk Through Valencia’s Civil

War Past with David of Ars Magna, Thursday 26 March, 10:30am – 1:45pm. Open to

IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Join us on a guided walk through Valencia’s Old Town and bourgeois districts to explore where pivotal moments of the Civil War unfolded. Led by local historian David of Ars Magna, this is a powerful and unforgettable journey into the city’s past.

MAHJONG CLASS – The IWC-V has an active Hong Kong style Mahjong group! There is a

game every Monday and many members play throughout the week. We have a class for

members (and spouses) who want to learn to play the Hong Kong style of this popular game.

You can join the invitation list to be notified about future classes. The next class will be in

April; the class has 4 lessons: April 7, 9, 14 & 16. If you want to sign up for the April class, join the invitation list, or get more information - just send an email to Lisa Guinn at lguinn948@gmail.com.

REGULATORY CHANGES – TAKE TWO, Wednesday 15 April, 4:00pm at Espai Llimera.

Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. Come learn about changes to the NLV requirements and get the scoop on qualifying for public health insurance with Immigration gurus Graham Tyner & Rissana Shytu from Settle-Easy.

MEMBERSHIP

Janine Forbes, VP Membership

Membership numbers for February takes into account those members who have moved away from Valencia or have decided not to renew their membership for many reasons. Fully paid up members numbers stand at 413 with some 40 new members joining in February. New members found us through other members referrals, web searches and increasingly

Facebook recommendations. Members join us from - Spain, Austria, Colombia, Iceland, Zimbabwe, Russia, Italy, France, Lithuania, Slovenia, UK and the US. We are so glad you found us and extend a huge welcome to all our new members!

Abbie Lane

Agustina Todd

Alexandra Barrera

Amanda Johnson

Amanda Jones

Amy Gaido

Andrea Weck

Anna Segovia

Bonnie Mc Manus

Carol Bonett

Catalina Veneziano

Christine Robson

Claire Marty

Colleen Cleary

Dawn Price

Debbie Coletti

Denise Fonseca de Carvalho

Diana Milock

Ellis Graham

Erna Valdis Sigurdartdottir

Estela Sasson

Ginny Morrison

Jenny Teruel

Jules Delgado Day

Larisa Nikolayev

Lynette Leon

Madeline Anthony

Melissa Sander

Nurada Petruseviciute Mickeviciene

Pascale Permanent

Reilly Gallagher

Selin Ardetti Sarfati

Susan Rutherford

Taja Taj

Tarja Tiusanen

Vicki James

Violeta Harvey

Yulia Pastor Bordera

A huge Happy Birthday to all our members celebrating their birthdays in March!

Due to a little techno-glitch we can’t post your names this month, but we will offer you a

belated happy birthday in next month’s newsletter – and we hope you each have a wonderful

day celebrating this month!

Welcome to ALL our new members.

Spring has sprung finally and the crown of Valencia Festivals, Fallas is coming! The city

doubles in size and it seems to get bigger and more spectacular every year! We start March

with the monthly Coffee Meet Up at our new location on 3rd at 10:30 at La Pizca de Sal,

facing the beautiful Torres Quart. Please come and meet members old and new. If you are

new to the club and don’t know anyone. please come and find me, I will be wearing a bright

Orange lanyard!

It’s a Casa Caridad donation drive this month coordinated by Emma Zell; please bring any

items you want to donate (see below under Charities for more details).

We have a New Members Meet up on 4th March which filled up quickly, we will be doing

another one soon, watch the website!

Our newest WhatsApp group is up and running! The IWCV Buy/Sell/Donate/Exchange Chat is open to all members and is designed for members who have personal items they wish to sell, donate or exchange; or who are looking for a particular item that another member may have. Any IWCV member in good standing may join the Chat at no charge. All you have to do is join the chat and read what’s available – or post your own items (it is best to include a description of the item(s) offered or sought, including size, condition, original value (if applicable), how/where to pick up item(s), asking price and if possible, please include photo(s)). The items available in this new Chat are only personal items offered or sought by IWCV members. It is not for businesses or individuals who earn a living selling the items.

The IWCV itself does not earn any money and makes no profit whatsoever from any items on

this chat. To join, just contact our member/administrator Rita Rabelo (WhatsApp +34 722 61 58 58), give her your name and WhatsApp number and ask to be added to the group. (Thank you, Rita, for volunteering to coordinate this new IWCV WhatsApp group chat!)

If you are very new to your area or the city, please speak to Veronica Lopez who is our

Ambassador Coordinator. Her email is iwcvwelcome@gmail.com. New members really

appreciate the support of an IWC Ambassador when they are relatively new to the city and we always appreciate the help of “longer term” members. With our increasing numbers we really need more Ambassadors! If you are interested in getting involved please message Veronica.

Remember, all the really useful information about What’s On within the Club and the many,

many events is on the IWC-V 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,

janine_forbes@hotmail.com . Of course, if you know any women in your personal network

who you think would enjoy being a member of our club, please pass on the www.iwc-

valencia.com and bring them along to an event. This is how the majority of women find us

and referral is the best recommendation of all.

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISING

Pauline Fitzgerald, VP – Charities

The season is slowly changing and the sun with some warmth is finally appearing. We

continue to focus on our charities and their needs in the approaching Summer months.

For those of you members who wish to make a private donation please note the

Bank details of our three charities:

Proyecto Vivir

ES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123

Casa Caridad

La Caixa:

ES47 2100 0736 0022 0061 2310

Banco Sabadell:

ES75 0081 7352 4300 0105 7311

Casa Ronald

ES27 0081 1518 9300 0150 8057

CASA CARIDAD

The two tours of Casa Caridad were enjoyed by many members in February. For those of you

who missed the opportunity to attend this month we will aim to offer more tours later in the

year.

To help support Casa Caridad's current needs, we will have a bumper donation drive at Coffee Morning at La Pizca de Sal at 10:30am on March 3rd. The donations will be collected at the venue by Casa Caridad at Midday. Emma Zell our CC coordinator will be present to manage the donations. Casa Caridad currently need as a priority quality canned goods  (not vegetables) all kinds of canned fish and seafood and also diapers. Feminine hygiene products are also urgently requested: Deodorant, sanitary products, shampoos, shower gels, toothpaste, toothbrushes etc.

CASA RONALD

We have a special opportunity to visit Casa Ronald on March 12th. This is a wonderful tour,

please visit our website to register and secure your place as soon as possible, numbers are

limited. Please don't miss this rare opportunity to visit Casa Ronald and see firsthand the wonderful work carried out there to support families whose children are receiving specialist care in La Fe Hospital. Casa Ronald creates an environment where the child can lead a normal life surrounded  by their loved ones while undergoing treatment

PROYECTO VIVIR

The Proyecto Vivir store welcomes all secondhand clothing items and small household items.

I'm sure many of us will be cleaning out our wardrobes soon as we approach warm spring days. You can drop off your donations to the store. Address and opening times as follows:

Proyecto Vivir Tienda

Carrer de González Martí, 3, 

Extramurs, 46008, Valencia

Opening hours Tuesday to Thursday

09:30 - 14:00

17:00 - 19:30

Shop closed Friday to Monday

Rosemary McGrath will step down as Coordinator for Proyecto Vivir on March 5th. I would like to this opportunity to thank Rosemary for her commitment and dedication in supporting PV over the past few years. Welcome on board Evelyn Smith who will take over from Rosemary (Thank you, Evelyn!). I look forward to working with Evelyn as the IWC-V continue their support of Proyecto Vivir.

Ladies, we are always open to ideas to raise funds for our charities, if anyone would like to

organize/host an event please contact me on pauline.fitzgerald9@gmail.com

ACTIVITIES

Susan Burke March, VP—Activities

Hola!

There is so much happening in Valencia this month – between Fallas (a must for all “newbies” to Valencia!) and our own IWCV Events (see above), there’s no reason for anyone of us to have a free moment other than personal choice! And, we are always looking for new events for our members. Those of you who might be interested in sharing your interests with others are very welcome to contact me (Susan Burke March, VP – Activities) and I will help you set up whatever event you’d like to try coordinating! It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s such a good thing to do – why not give it a go? I hope to hear from you! Have a fun Fallas to those of you who are in town, and a fun escape to all of you who will be

elsewhere during the month!

FELLOWS OF THE IWCV

Carey Hepler, Coordinator

This month’s Fellows of the IWCV Happy Hour on 12 March is open to Fellows and everyone

else too! See above for details. We hope to see you there. If you are new to Valencia (or even if you’ve been here for a while!) and your husband/partner wants to meet people and keep busy, bring him along and introduce him to the Fellows. It’s a great way for the men in your life to make friends! 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

FALLAS SUNDAY 15 – THURSDAY 19 MARCH

ST. JOSEPH’S DAY THURSDAY 19 MARCH

We hope to see you at the First Tuesday Coffee this coming Tuesday and at many other IWCV events in the next few weeks!

Jane Buck,

President