December Meeting

I just wanted to Thank everyone that attended last night. We hope that you all had a great time. I know I was having so much fun last night that I forgot to take pictures...sorry about that. I hope to post new pictures of the craft night on December 12, hope to see you there...camera ready! :D

Just wanted to give a great BIG "Thank You" to Vida. All the ladies had a great time playing pictionary and had too much fun with the ornament exchange (right? ;)

Thank You Vida for all that you've done for American Women. You've done such a great job not just with American Women but in everything else that you devote your time to. Although last night was your last meeting as Programs coordinator, we hope that you still come out and join us once in a while.

Also, another great BIG "Thank You" to Cathy Gallagher! Thank you for all you've done for American Women. Just like Vida, you do great things with everything you do. Thank You for taking time out of your busy life to help AWGK. The world really needs more people like you.

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Thanks Again to all who attended, we hope to see you again next month!!!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Susan "NOT working in a window" Roberts

My name is Susan Roberts. My dad was in the Air Force, so home is where?? Falmouth, Massachusetts on beautiful Cape Cod is where I have lived the longest, so I guess that is where I am from. It is a conversation we frequently have at our home! I have two children. Sarah, 19, is a sophomore at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Matthew, 17, is senior here at AF North. I work a couple of days a week for Hallmark at the Shoppette at Schinnen.

My main hobby would be quilting. I love to quilt! For the last year, I have been making Patriotic lap quilts for the wounded soldiers at Landstuhl hospital. Not nearly as many as I hoped to make, I am hoping to make a lot more in the New Year. I am the Treasurer of the Booster Club for AF North High School. I try to volunteer for MOPPS. So some of you might have seen me with your adorable babies.

We have been at GK for 3 years now. Prior to that we lived in Lisbon, Portugal. I also love the beach and to travel. I met my husband in Amsterdam 22 years ago. And, no, I was NOT working in a window when I met him!! We have been traveling around the world together since. Christmas Day is when I celebrate my birthday. My husband always makes sure I don't miss out on Birthday gifts. The question asked was, "If I was a superhero who would I be?" I can't imagine being a superhero, but if I was I am sure I would have a quilted cape!!

SPOTLIGHT ON: Randi "Travelocity Woman" Chambers

Hi I'm Randi Chambers. I grew up on a Ranch outside a little town in South Dakota. When I say little I mean little the postal town has a population of 8 people and the bigger town has only about 700! I spent most of my summers on the back of a horse riding around the Badlands with my older sister Jonnie. Because we lived so far out I went to a Christian boarding school for high school.

I was a nanny in Oklahoma to four kids, which is where I met my wonderful husband John. We got engaged in January of 2007 the night before he left to come here. We were married in July of 2007 and I came back here with him.
John and I just had our first son, Brenden John, on October 2nd of this year. It has been so much fun watching how fast he is growing! I can't wait to see what else is in store for us while we are here.
In my spare time, which I don't have much of lately, I love to be with friends. I love playing sports and I really miss riding horses. I would love to do alot more traveling and see as many places as I can while I'm here.

(Finish the sentence) Living here in GK has been…
Hard at times but I'm getting used to being in a different country.

Name one fact that is not commonly known about you.
I haven't lived in my parents house since I was 14, but that is just because I went to a boarding school.

If you were a superhero, what would your name be and what type of power would you have?
I don't know what my name would be because I'm not good a coming up with witty names but I'd want to have the power to snap my fingers and be anywhere I wanted to. That would definitely cut down on the expensive plane tickets.

A successful 2008 Bazaar!!!

Hello AWGK members,
I know you have all been patiently waiting for a report on how we did over the weekend. I apologize for it taking me so long to get the news out. Despite all the commotion on base Friday that significantly slowed shopping, we cleared $22,000 and some change!!!! All together now, WOO-HOO!!!!!! Yes, that is great!!! A BIG THANK-YOU to all of the volunteers for helping! We could not have done it without you. I also would like to thank Sharon Sherinian, Gwen Dillis and Andrea Yeatman for all their hard work. They did the dirty work, so to speak and I know they worked hard so we could get good vendors and make it a success. When you see them next, please thank them. Again, thank you to everyone who had a part in helping, you are also a part of what made it a success.

Sincerely,Your Vice President

Amber Cottrell

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Here are a few pictures taken on the last day of the Bazaar...

In this picture we have Sharon Sherinian, Wolfgang Huch (The Russian Doll vendor) and Connie Long.

Thanks again to all the Volunteers and to all the wonderful AWGK members who helped make this bazaar such a success!!! It is because of you we can continue to give back to this wonderful community!

:)

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SPOTLIGHT ON LAURA "TIMELESS WOMAN" VALLE

My name is Laura Valle and oddly enough I am not really from anywhere. My father was career Air Force and I moved every 3 to 4 years of my life. I went to 4 different high schools and lived in 4 different States – Oklahoma twice and Alaska for 8 years at both Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases. My grandfather, a navigator, was also career Air Force, and now my husband is also career Air Force making for 3 generations of family serving our country - all in AWACS. We were stationed at Tinker AFB prior to coming to Geilenkirchen, and in fact, my husband was in the same squadron my grandfather was in 24 years ago. We have been married since July 2005, and do not have any children as of yet. We do have two wonderful pups though, Asia – a Manchester terrier mix and Cuba – a short haired Border collie mix. Both dogs were rescued from the OKC shelter; Cuba a day before D-day. In my spare time I love to travel Europe, go to Paris as often as possible and practice and teach Ashtanga Yoga in Sittard. During the day I work as the New Parent Support Nurse and Home Visitor for the Triborder Community, helping new parents prepare for labor, delivery and parenthood in a foreign country.

(Finish the sentence) Living here in GK has been…

quite an amazing experience. I love the proximity to so many great locations, cultures, languages and people from a variety of backgrounds and all walks of life. I love the fresh, seasonal food and open markets, the European clothing and just all of the opportunities living in Europe has afforded me. I’ve been able to take both German and French languages, become a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher in Paris, travel extensively and make friends from many different countries. I am completely smitten with living abroad!

Name one fact that is not commonly known about you.
Hmmm… I am a pretty open book with my close friends, but commonly I do not think most people know that I am a vegetarian, or that my grandmother is Mexican and that I’ve lived and went to university in Mexico.

If you were a superhero, what would your name be and what type of power would you have?

If I were a superhero, my name would be Timeless Woman – I would never age, I could fly, be invisible and I would never need sleep. ;-)

Dinner Night at Simla's

Last night, AWGK had a interesting Dinner Night at Simla's in Sittard. Despite a few problems with finding the restaurant, the overall experience was "EXCELLENT!".

CONS: Hard to find parking, and NO high chairs for the kiddies.

PROS: GREAT and EXCELLENT FOOD, AND WONDERFUL SERVICE!!! (our waiter spoke perfect English).

For most of us, it was our very first time to try Indian food. And for most of us...it won't be the last :p (Thanks to the wonderful people at Simla's)

Lisa, Angela and Jade having a great time...no matter what they do :)

This was so DELICIOUS, I had to take a picture of it. It is called Nan and it is a MUST HAVE!

Since this was our first time, we decided to all share dishes. The number 1 dish that EVERYBODY LOVED was the Butter Chicken.

Overall, Great food+Great Service+Great Friends= GREAT NIGHT! :)

The address for Simla's:

Stationsstaat-17, Sittard

website: http://www.simla.nl/

Tel:046-4521263

Observe speed limits, drive caustiously near USAG Schinnen

Observe Speed Limits, drive cautiously near USAG Schinnen.

USAG Schinnen, Netherlands –
Employees and customers of USAG
Schinnen are warned to observe
speed limits and drive cautiously
while driving on Borgerweg,
Nagelbeek, Stationsstraat and
Veeweg – all roads that lead to and
from USAG Schinnen.
The intersection at the end of
Borgerweg is especially hazardous
because four roads meet at a major
pedestrian crossing and train
crossing. The fall harvest also means
that trucks going to and from the Canisius factory have increased. There is also construction on
Veeweg, which adds to the obstacles drivers and pedestrians face as traffic nears USAG
Schinnen.

Veeweg, a road often used to avoid the railroad crossing by driving around the town of
Schinnen, passes through residential areas and a 30kph zone is imposed there. The speed limit
on the other roads is 50kph. Traffic and road conditions often mean drivers should consider
driving slower than posted limits to avoid hazards.
Residents of the Town of Schinnen have complained to the City Hall about congestion and fast
driving around this intersection. Local media reports identify employees and customers of
USAG Schinnen as part of the problem.

Employees and customers of USAG Schinnen are reminded that posted speed limits off base are
subject to fines and penalties imposed by Dutch officials. If stopped by Military Police on base,
a ticket can be issued that accesses points against a driver’s license and, if necessary, a person’s
on‐base driving privileges can be revoked by the commander.
The potential for an accident increases when drivers do not observe the posted speed limits or
adjust speeds downward to accommodate congested road conditions. As winter approaches,
less daylight and weather will add to the hazards drivers may face. So, please – slow down,
observe speed limits and drive safely.

SPOTLIGHT ON: LISA "SuperMOM" CERRITO

(From Lisa to Jennifer Jackson)

Hi Jennifer,

I would like to state for the record that I am not good at this sort of thing. Please feel free to go through this and tweak as you may. I kept putting it off thinking it would all come to me. But, it didn't. I am just not good at writing about myself and always go on and on about my family. I think I may have done it again. haha. Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself to the group (even though I've been here for two years already!) Also, thank you for the early birthday wishes. The anwer is yes I have amazing plans...we are going to Venice, Italy for the week!! Yeah! Here's the stuff about me....


I was born in Delaware but raised right outside of Philadelphia, Pa. I am the oldest daughter in a family of 8 children. I have two older brothers, two younger brothers and 3 younger sisters. I love being a part of a big crazy family. I was often given lots of responsiblity from a very early age. This made me a bit of a natural leader as well as a person that likes to be in control. Not always a good thing, but not always bad. It also made me grow up quickly. I have always been the mature, responsible "mom." I'm a nurturer by heart and always looking out for everyone. My parents are still together after 37 years and my mother is my hero. I love talking with her and hanging out with her. Learning from her. I am the person I am today because of the women in my life. My mother, my Nana, my sisters and my best friends.

While growing up I did a lot of the typical things. I ran track, I danced ballet, I worked. I always had a lot of things to do and a lot of things expected of me. I was given much responsibilty from an early age. I often had to help with the care of siblings and of course, the chore list was very long. I always had my parents trust, but it wasn't until I graduated from high school, in 1992, that I really tasted my first bit of freedom. I went to Temple University for two years and between my classes and working I realized I hated it. So, I joined the Air Force.
I met my husband, John while we were both stationed at McGuire AFB, NJ. He was in the hospital and a friend we had in common asked me to join her in visiting him. I did and the rest is history. We were married only a few short months later. We have gone from McGuire to The Azores Islands, to Oklahoma, to Bolling AFB, DC. Now we are here for another two years. Along the way I left the military to be the stereotypical stay at home, military spouse. John and I have three children now. Victoria is 12, Michael is 10 and William is 6. They are my life. I love being their mom and am thankful I was able to stay home with them. I recently returned to work part time with my youngest starting school. I've enjoyed the extra freedom but still revolve my life around my children. I wouldn't choose it any other way. Of all the things I've done, being a wife and mother is my favorite, and the thing I believe I do best.

While John and I have been stationed here we have really enjoyed the travel and exploration of new places. We love taking our children and showing them our world. They don't always get as excited about it as I am but by the time we leave a new place they have grown some sort of appreciation for it. We have many more trips planned for the next two years. I am looking forward to them all. When we leave Geilenkirchen we will have one year left in the states until John retires. I am anxious for this and still not wishing my current days away. I cherish each and every day knowing they make us who we are. It will be so nice to plant our roots and stay still for a little while. Victoria will start high school that year and it will be good for her and the boys to finish school in one spot. That was our goal and something I am so thrilled about.

As far as hobbies and things I enjoy, I don't really know how to answer that. I like almost anything. I enjoy trying everything. I am an all-around kind of person. I love traveling and exploring new places. I do really enjoy reading too, and when I start a book I can't put it down until I'm done. I also enjoy coffee,quiet nights, and talking with friends. Of course, I can always trade the coffee in for a nice glass (or bottle) of wine. I am fortunate to have 3 best friends at this point in my life. I have learned that without good, strong women in our lives to support us, life is quite hard and not as fulfilling.


Here are your other questions:

Living here in GK has been a blessing. We took the assignment as a special duty because we felt John would be safe from deploying since he is now part of NATO. Past assignments have been revolving doors for John. The second he returned he was leaving again. On top of that he was finishing his education and worked crazy shifts. It is really nice to have him on regular shifts with no TDY's so we can take full advantage of all the wonderful things to see and do here in Europe.

One fact that is not commonly known about me is that my mother home schooled me. I was home schooled until 11th grade.

If I was a superhero I would want to be called supermom. I would like to be able to fly and help all the children that are suffering. I know, I know, it sounds so corny, but it's true. I collect nieces and nephews left and right!

Thanks again,
Lisa Cerrito

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September Meeting

Here are some pictures taken during the September meeting.


Chelle Owen's baby boy Brendan

only 11 days old.

Jennifer Jackson and son Christian who just turned 2

Jeopardy Game. Getting to know your AWGK Board Members

Team 3

Team 1

And the Winners of the Jeopardy game...Team 2

Just want to Thank all those who attended! Hope you had a great time and we hope to see you again next month!