Laura Fabrycky, Patricia Linderman and Anne Sullivan. Authors in the DC area who donated their work to AAFSW’s newest book gathered on Friday, Nov. 13, to celebrate the publication of this new resource, packed with information, personal stories and humor. Pictured are Laura Fabrycky, who contributed “Joy for a Dime and a Song: A Case for a Washington, DC Tour with Children”; myself (“Congratulations: You’re Raising a TCK!”); and Anne Sullivan, “Overseas Schools: A Parent’s Guide.” Joshua Archibald, contributor of “Tandem Couples and Kids” also attended. Ana Gabriela Turner, “Traveling with Kids,” and Amanda Fernandez, “An Unaccompanied Tour,” had to cancel (Friday the 13th bad luck?) but were there in… Read More
Continue ReadingAnother Successful AAFSW Awards Ceremony
AAFSW annual awards ceremony celebrated SOSA, Tragen, CCE-EFM, and Dorman winners. (Photo courtesy of Mark Stewart, DOS Photographer.) The annual AAFSW volunteer awards program took place Tuesday, November, 10, 2015 in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the State Department. The ceremony was a success highlighting the volunteer work of nine outstanding individuals. It recognized winners of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA), the Tragen Award, the Champions of Career Enhancement for EFMs (CCE-EFM) Award, and the Lesley Dorman Award. We were privileged to have Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom speak and present the awards. Even though Secretary Kerry was traveling, he sent recorded remarks where… Read More
Continue ReadingHelp AAFSW Help You
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to take on a really interesting volunteer position? Could your resume use a new entry? AAFSW can help! Our board is in need of people to fill the following positions: president, first vice-president, secretary, treasurer, Art & Book Fair chair, membership chair, and scholarship chair. No experience needed! Volunteers are also needed in our bookstore and art corner. Expertise in either of these areas is welcome but we can train you. None of these appeal? Call – we can use your talents somewhere! Please contact Barbara Reioux at 703-820-5420 or email office@aafsw.org to learn more or to express your interest.
Continue ReadingA Musical Thanksgiving Feast on November 24
AAFSW’s Tripartite Musical Program on November 24, held at the George Marshall Auditorium at the State Department, was a feast for the heart and soul. The program began with with distinguished Spanish Maestro Angel Gil-Ordóñez, Director of the Georgetown University Orchestra in DC, whose illustrated lecture introduced us to twenty-first century orchestras and conductors. Mr. Gil-Ordóñez was followed by the District5 wind quintet, which delighted the audience with five lovely pieces played in their unique and innovative style.Next on stage was Rafael Javadov, a virtuoso on the electric violin, who played a fabulous selection of classical and popular music. His hand was flying and dancing faster than the speed of… Read More
Continue ReadingBeautiful Art in the Chinese Embassy
On November 30, about 50 AAFSW members and guests enjoyed a grand tour of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC. We were greeted with a very warm welcome by Mr. Liu Weimin, Minister Counselor, who thanked AAFSW for the admirable work we do to welcome diplomats and help them learn about the United States through our programs. The tour was led by our excellent guide, Ms. Liu Yuqing. She explained that the beautiful and spacious building, designed by famed Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, features a fusion of the traditional philosophies of Chinese architecture and modernity. Ms. Liu then described the many wonderful works of art and calligraphy that adorned the… Read More
Continue ReadingAAFSW Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the SOSA Awards
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism Abroad (SOSA). Inspiring clips from interviews with former Secretary of State James Baker, Susan Baker, SOSA winners [Foreign Service employees and family members] with projects in Kigali, Chennai, Abuja and Madrid, AAFSW leaders, and a charismatic official from the Nigerian Ministry of the Environment.
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