May Newsletter

This past Monday’s Apagón was certainly unexpected, and a bit nerve-wracking as the sun went down and the lights didn’t come on, but in the end it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. I hope none of you were stuck in lifts or had any major crises during the blackout. So let’s all be thankful that it wasn’t worse and take this unfortunate event as a gentle reminder that we all need to check the status of our flashlights from time to time, maybe invest in a battery operated radio, and for sure go to our nearest bazaar and buy an assortment of batteries and matches! The winner of the “most difficult consequence of the apagón” is our very own Cindy Roberts – who did indeed walk the stairs up to her flat – all 18 flights of them! (If your situation beat Cindy’s let us know!)

We’ve got a lot planned for you this month. Take a look below to see what’s been scheduled so far, and don’t forget to check the IWCV website periodically as new events are being added all the time! 

IWCV “OWL” HAPPY HOUR – Wednesday 28 May, 6:00pm at Taberna La Mora, Calle de San Francesc de Borja 1 (at the corner of Marquès de Zenete). Our monthly happy hour is open to all IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and guests. No need to sign up in advance; just stop by for a drink, to see old friends, and to make new ones!

FELLOWS WELCOME MEETING – Monday 5 May, 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Colon Corte Ingles (6th floor cafeteria). Open to all, especially fellows. No need to sign up in advance; just stop by to say hello and find out what the Fellows are up to these days!

IWCV FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING – Tuesday 6 May, 10:30 am – Noon on the terraza behind the MUVIM Museum. Open to all women of Valencia, both current members and those who haven’t formally joined us yet. There is no need to register in advance, just drop by for a cuppa and a chat!

A BOOK DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR JEFFREY ULIN, Monday 12 May, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Capilla Bistro, Carrer de Matias Perelló, 13, L'Eixample. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. (This event has been rescheduled from last month.) Enjoy a lively 1-hour discussion with author Jeffrey Ulin about his new historical thriller, Provenance of Ashes. Jeff will share insights into the book, his writing process, and the inspirations behind creating historical fiction. This book follows a young Mossad operative and her husband as they uncover a former Stasi agent’s secret. The novel has received high praise from reviewers! For complete details and to register, click here: A Book Discussion with Author Jeffrey Ulin | IWC - Valencia

IWCV MAY LUNCHEON, Thursday 15 May, 2:00pm at Thalassa – Sabores de Grecia. Open to IWCV Members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV and out-of-town guests. Now that the weather is perfect for eating outdoors, it’s time to return to our favorite Greek restaurant, where we will sit on the terrazza while our host Vailis treats us to a delicious homemade sampling of the flavors of Greece! For complete details and to register, click here: May Luncheon | IWC - Valencia

OLIVE OIL EXPERIENCE & RELAXATION IN THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF MONTANEJOS, Tuesday 20 May, 9:30 – 17:30. Open to IWCV Members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. Discover the essence of the Mediterranean with a unique day trip that includes a guided visit to a traditional olive oil mill and a visit to the beautiful Fuente de los Baños of Montanejos – all in a private van with our guide Pau. For complete details and to sign up, go to https://www.iwc-valencia.com/events/olive-oil-experience-relaxation-in-the-crystal-clear-waters-of-montanejos

FELLOWS HAPPY HOUR – Wednesday 21 May, 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Bar Cafeteria Convento (in the shadow of the Quart Towers). Everyone is invited – Fellows, their partners/spouses, and guests. You do not need to register in advance; just stop by to see old friends and to make new ones!

VALENCIA’S GOLDEN AGE REVEALED: MASTERPIECES AT SAINT PIUS V – A GUIDED TOUR WITH DAVID OF ARS MAGNA – Thursday 22 May, 10:30 am – Noon at the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia. Open to IWCV Members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. We had to reschedule this tour, originally scheduled last month, but a visit to this gem of a museum with our expert guide David of Ars Magna is always a treat! We will visit the Gothic & Renaissance Galleries, which highlight the region’s Golden Age. Please note: this tour is currently full, but you can join the waitlist by emailing president@iwc-valencia.com. 

IWCV “OWL” HAPPY HOUR, Wednesday 28 May, at Taberna La Mora, C/Sant Francesc de Borja (at c/de Marques de Zenete), 6pm. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and guests. There is no need to register in advance; just stop by for a drink, a chat, to see old friends, and to make new ones!

THE POWER OF CEREMONY: BRINGING MEANING TO LIFE’S MEMORIES, Wednesday 4 June, at Calle Buen Orden 8, floor 1, door 1. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. Lucy Dyer, modern celebrant and founder of Vida Cermonias, shares how simple, meaningful ceremonies can bring depth, connection, and joy to our lives. For complete details and to register, click here: The Power of Ceremony: Bringing Meaning to Life's Moments | IWC - Valencia

IWCV FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING – Tuesday 3 June, 10:30 am – Noon on the terraza behind the MUVIM Museum. Open to all women of Valencia, both current members and those who haven’t formally joined us yet. There is no need to register in advance, just drop by for a cuppa and a chat

A TASTE OF THE MOSEL: AN EXCLUSIVE WINE EXPERIENCE WITH KERPEN WINERY, Thursday 5 June, 4:00pm to 6:30pm, C/de Jesus 40, Arrancapins. Open to IWCV Members, Members’ Partners/Spouses. Fellows of the IWCV, and Out-Of-Town Guests. This event was so popular last month that we’re repeating in June! Join us for an exclusive afternoon tasting featuring the exceptional white and rosé wines of Germany’s renowned Mosel Valley, home to the distinguished Kerpen Winery near Bernkastel-Kues. Guided by expert insight, we’ll explore six carefully selected wines, from crisp, dry varieties to more expressive styles, uncovering how terroir, climate, and vineyard location shape their distinct character. We’ll have some lovely cheese to accompany the wines too! For complete details and to register, click here: A Taste of the Mosel: An Exclusive Wine Experience with Kerpen Winery | IWC - Valencia

MEMBERSHIP

Janine Forbes, VP Membership

New members and re-joiners in April 2025

We have 303 full Members with 26 joining us this month from the Philippines, New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Kenya, Spain, Israel, Ireland, the UK and US!

A huge welcome to all our new members!

Alexa Hoyland

Alma Vitiate

Cassandra Merry

Catherine moreno Games

Christine Hickman

Claudette Pelletier

Debra Jeakle

Ellen Elliot-Applegate

Elsa Larsen

Emma Schulz

Grace Ella Hittner

Jeanette Loakman

Jill Cui

Joanna Litton

Lara Pennington

Laurel Dooley

Lillian Nyana

Michal Offer

Rochelle Zingarelli-Carr

Ronit Saxon

Sharon Sanders

Shirley Gowland

Teresa Filipovic

Veronica Lopez

Vickie Horovitz

Windy Wilkins

Happy Birthday to all our May ladies!

Allie Robison

Ann Ellerkamp

Beth Gauper

Brenda Sherman

Carmel laRue

Claudette Pelletier

Claudia Barbara de Rivetta

Deborah Pallach

Doreen Denecker

Janine Forbes

Jaqueline Cruz

Jeanette Loakman

Joanne Haas

Jurgita Ludaviciene

Lauren Zielinsky

Leah Newman

Linda Byrd

Lisa Voigt

Liz Humphreys

Madeline Cutting

Mary Reeves

Nicole Gawronski

Nina Paolo

Pinar Ozhal

Yvonne Rodriguez

Input from Membership VP - Janine Forbes

April was our biggest join up month ever with 26 new women joining the IWCV! We are going to need a bigger venue for our monthly coffee mornings at this rate! The next Coffee Morning is on 6th May 10:30 at the MUVIM cafe Terrace attached to the Muvim Modern Gallery and it would be lovely to see as many of you newer members make it as possible. Please invite your female friends, all women of Valencia are welcome!

New members found us through other members' referrals, web searches and, increasingly, Facebook recommendations. 

If you are an existing member and you would like to help out the Ambassador team please contact Famke on fgrootswagers@gmail.com We would be grateful for your assistance with the increased demand from the new members. 

Remember, all the really useful information about what is on within the club is on the IWCV 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. 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. This is how the majority of women find us and referral is the best recommendation of all.

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISING

Pauline Fitzgerald, VP – Charities

We continue to support our charities wherever possible. To make personal donations please see below bank details for Proyecto Vivir, Casa Caridad & Casa RonaldProyecto VivirES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123Casa CaridadLa Caixa:ES47 2100 0736 0022 0061 23102.Banco Sabadell:ES75 0081 7352 4300 0105 7311Casa RonaldES27 0081 1518 9300 0150 8057You can still become a family member at Casa Ronald. Every year Casa Ronald 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. In order to be able to assume the high costs of maintaining this, they are asking us to join their great family in a very simple way that generates a lot of stability: 

Becoming a family member 

You decide the amount 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 greatly appreciates the support of IWCVIn parallel, Casa Caridad continues their mission to support victims of the Dana, so many people suffered and are still struggling. They are appealing to companies and individuals for donations, two bank accounts have been enabled for this purpose:CaixaBank: ES2321008681530200122656andRENTA 4 BANCO:ES 7600830001110097130755 or you can use The Bizum number 11001.Proyecto VivirI'm sure many of you are clearing out your wardrobes in preparation for summer, please remember that PV will accept good condition second hand clothes and also small household items for their store. The address is as follows:Proyecto Vivir TiendaCarrer de González Martí, 3, 46008 Valencia,ValenciaTelephone 96 049 70 59Thank you as always Ladies for your continued support!

ACTIVITIES

Susan Burke March, VP—Activities

Events! This past month we had some excellent events that our members truly enjoyed. The talk by the US Consular Agent in Valencia was attended by about 65 of you and some excellent and important information was provided. Other members had a lovely time visiting a Valencia orange grove and picking those delicious fruits, and our fabulous tour guide David from Ars Magna recovered from his laryngitis in time to take 25 of you on a fabulous tour of the historic bridges over the Turia.

In May we’ve got even more planned for you – take a look above and see what’s on! Please remember to sign up early as our events do tend to fill quickly. If you find you’ve missed a spot, just email president@iwc-valencia.com to be added to the event’s waitlist.

Activities! The weather this month will definitely be conducive to getting out and trying some of our on-going activities! Log in to the IWCV website and learn about our activities, and contact the group’s coordinator to be added to each activity’s WhatsApp chat.  https://www.iwc-valencia.com/ongoingactivities

In addition to our First Tuesday Coffee Hour, Third Thursday lunches, and Last Wednesday Happy Hour, here are some of the on-going activities available to you:

Solo Women of the IWCV: Description: This is a support group for single IWCV members. We have fun activities while acquiring wisdom to continue on our paths. 

Coordinator: Silvia Matos Escalada 

Spanish and Coffee: Next Level Conversations: Description: This weekly Spanish Conversation meeting helps non-beginners improve their Spanish skills. Every Wednesday 11:00 at the El Corte Inglés:  27 C/de Colon in the sixth-floor cafeteria. Coordinator: Joanne Haas 

Spanish Conversation Practice Group for Beginners: Description: Our weekly Spanish Conversation Practice Group is perfect for those who are learning Spanish and want to practice speaking aloud with a nonjudgmental, encouraging group of women who are also learning. Every Wednesday 11:00 at the El Corte Inglés:  27 C/de Colon in the sixth-floor cafeteria. Coordinator: Margie Spillen 

Women Who Walk: Description: Join us for our weekly walk in the Parque Túria on Fridays at 11 am. All are invited! Don't worry - there will be someone who walks at your pace! Coordinator Lauren McCoy 

Mahjong Monday: Description: Similar to western card games like rummy, mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation - and involves a bit of luck! We play Hong Kong style mahjong.Coordinator: Jane Buck writes, “Eight members attended mahjong classes in February and March, taught by the fabulous Myra Deuel. We will offer another class as soon as we have four students who want to learn to play this fun game. To sign up for a class, please email president@iwc-valencia.co

Monthly Gameplay & Member-Hosted Board Games. Description: We play various card and board games—please bring your favorite games, pens, and paper to keep score. We have two activities (you’re invited to join both!) - we gather at member homes periodically and also gather the last Tuesday of each month to allow more members to enjoy the evening together. Coordinator: Ann Linton 

Self-Care for Caregivers: Description: This group provides support and practical help for anyone managing a loved one with a long-term or disabling condition. We meet on the third Thursday of every month.

Coordinator: Louisa Walker 

Chicas de Libros. Description: If you love to read, then join us! We will read some great books and discuss them once a month. 

Coordinator: Ruth Ann Hepler

FELLOWS OF THE IWCV

Carey Hepler, Coordinator

The IWCV Fellows Welcome Meeting will be on Monday 5 May at El Corte Inglés from 11:30 to 1:30.  

The Fellows Happy Hour will be on Wednesday 21 May.

Details of both are above.

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.

MAY HOLIDAYS IN VALENCIA

Thursday 1 May Labour Day

We’re looking forward to seeing all of you at our May activities and events!

Jane Buck,

President