December Meeting

Here are just a few photos taken at the December meeting on monday. If you were unable to attend, you missed lots of delicious food and wonderful prizes...

There were many new faces at the December meeting!

Hope you had a great time and welcome to GK!

-Thank you to all who attended

(and Thank you Amber Hudock for the wonderful pictures)

Bazaar Highlights 2009

Thank You to all who volunteered at the 2009 Foggy Fields Bazaar! It is because of you that the bazaar was a success!

Here are some of the highlights of the bazaar--- Thanks to Amber Hudock! :)

Spotlight On: Busy Lizzy (Liz Osheim)

Allow to me to introduce myself, my name is Elizabeth Osheim, my friends call me Liz. My husband Terry and I have been stationed in Geilenkirchen since July of 2008. It is hard to believe that our three year tour here in Germany is fast coming to a close. I am what people often refer to as an “Army brat”. My father was in the service and I grew up only knowing moving around, although I call the Seattle area home. My husband also comes from a military family; he has two brothers who are both active duty Air Force and his Father retired from the Air Force. I am one of ten children and grew up in a loud, fun, loving, warm and generous family. We have no children, but between us we have over 30 nieces and nephews, we enjoy being the (mostly) favorite Aunt and Uncle.

Prior to GK, we were in Charleston South Carolina. I love the motto of a favorite costal town, Folly Beach……."Where land ends and fun begins." I have enjoyed all the different places we’ve lived and although it is hard to leave friends behind I am always looking forward to the next adventure.

If I had one superpower it would be to have a never ending pot of delicious soup with the ablity to transport into any town at any time so I could feed all the hungry people………my name would be something catchy like Busy Lizzy, here she comes! Most people who meet me get to know me very quickly as I am talkative, full of optimism and quick to laugh. My hobbies include cooking and any attempt to craft…..this is the first time in my life that I haven’t had a job and yet I manage to keep very busy. I even write a blog for family and friends to keep up with my stories of "Life with Liz”. People may be surprised to realize that I worked at Kennedy Space Center, helping launch the Space Shuttle, for 8 years! That is where I met my husband, while he was visiting his father, whom I worked with at the time.

Spotlight On: Shannon Maris

Hi, I'm Shannon Maris. I'm from the East Coast originally, but being a Marine Corps brat we moved around a lot. I met my hubby in Fl right before our senior year of high school. We dated, fell in love and married two years later. We have two daughters, Emily is 8 and Autumn is 6. We just moved here to GK in May from Brooks City-Base in San Antonio, Texas. It was really hot there and I can't wait for it to be really cold here. In my spare time (when I have it), I like to read, watch movies, and just hang out with family and friends. I'm currently working on getting my Bachelors in Business Management so that takes up a lot of my time!

Living here in GK has had it's ups and downs...the second week we were here, I got really sick and was taken to the ER. I had a massive Kidney infection. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days while they poked me and took blood, and I had to take really nasty medicine. Then I developed allergies to Hay which gave me really bad sinus infections. So, I love Germany and all it's beauty, but I don't think Germany loves me!!

One fact that is not commonly known about me is I grew up loving Opera. I love playing the flute, and I love Opera and Classical music. I love anything and everything written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and The Phantom of the Opera is my all time fav!!

If I was a super hero, my name would be "SuperMOM" and my power would be multitasking and getting everything done that needed to regarding my girls. (With enough time to spare for a nice, quiet night with my hubby! )

Spotlight on Amber Hudock

My name is Amber Hudock and I have lived here in Germany for about 8 months. My husband, Patrick, and I are both from northern Virginia and grew up right around Washington D.C. We met in high school and then he attended the Naval Academy while I went to the University of Virginia to earn degrees in Anthropology and Archaeology. We began dating near the end of college and have now been married for 5 years and have a 2 year old son named Brennan. We also have two long-haired chihuahuas; Bexar and Rocky. We were lucky to have been stationed at beautiful Whidbey Island, WA for the last three years and have also been stationed in Texas and Florida (twice!). We are enjoying living in Europe and the time is already going by too quickly. My hobbies include reading, playing the French horn, and running.

Name 3 things you need to have to be happy.: books, music, peanut M&Ms
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and why?: At Gere-a-Deli in Anacortes, WA because I am in sandwich withdrawal here and theirs are the best!

Spotlight on Laura Valle

My name is Laura Valle and I cannot say I am from anywhere. My father was in the USAF all my life and we moved every 3-4 years. If I have to nail down a place I claim New York, where my father's family is from as my mother's father was also career USAF and her family is spread out throughout the United States. So, basically, I am a nomad. :-) Since this is all I know (and love!), I also married a man in the Air Force and we are currently residing in Germany after meeting, marrying and living on Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. We do not have children as of yet as we are trying to do and see all that we can before we settle down and have a family. We both love to travel and learn new languages, so in our free time, we visit as many places as we can in Europe. Now that we are on a countdown of having only 1 year left in Germany, we are trying to squeeze every thing in. We cannot believe how many places there are still to see. It seems like the list grows after each country we visit! Besides traveling and learning new languages, my other passions/interests are Ashtanga yoga, my dogs, cooking/baking, reading, organics, green living, integrative medicine, vegetarianism, meeting new people and helping others. Between travels, I can be found at home working on my Master's in Midwifery and providing birth support to those in the local Triborder area.

The 3 things I need to be happy are:
1. Coffee
2. My yoga mat
3. The internet - in order to keep in touch with great friends and family and do my homework!

If I could live anywhere in the world right now, where would I be and why?
I would be in Paris, France. Why? The food, the language, the people, the ambiance, the dear friends I have made there through yoga... It is my most favorite place to be at any time of year! I definitely wish I could live there year round.

The craziest thing I have ever done is...
Hmmm.... there are so many. Ha ha! Probably sky diving was the craziest thing I have ever done (and scariest!)

The top 5 places I like to go or things I like to do around GK are:
1. Walking our 2 dogs through the farm fields in Hongen
2. Going to Aachen for Starbucks and a casual stroll around town
3. Visiting Maastricht monthly for the Aveda salon, shopping and lunch/dinner
4. Shopping at the bioladen and DM in Gangelt (or the bio store in Maaseik, Belgium - it's a good one too!)
5. Finding vegetarian restaurants around Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Our current favorite is an Ethiopian restaurant called House of Lalibela in Leuven, Belgium. It's beyond scrumptious!

Laura

Spotlight on Leah Hess

Leah Hess, from Houston, Texas. My husband and I met and married in Tennessee, so we call it "home" now. We came to GK from Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Florida, where we had been for a very sunny 18 months. We have a son, Wilson, who is 1 and are expecting our second child in May. I imagine if I had spare time I would make artwork (that is what my degree is in). But, in lieu of creating masterpieces I do manage to take photos, scrapbook, and send letters to family and friends (the real kind, on paper, in an envelope).

1. Three things I need to be happy are: Family, Friends, a church to call home
2. If I could be anywhere in the world I would be in: Florida, I miss it on these cold, rainy days!
3. The craziest thing I've ever done is: move to Germany
4. Five things I love to do around GK: take walks, work out with my hot Mama Hawcs!, eat doner durums, go to AWGK functions, and...hmmm... can I say "take walks" twice? There are just so many good places to walk around here!

Spotlight on Kelly Alderson

My name is Kelly Alderson and I spent most of growing up years in Seattle Washington. I graduated from Central Washington University with my Bachelors in Public Health and still hoping to eventually use it! I’m a former army brat so moving a lot is not new to me! Ben, my husband, and I were stationed at Tyndall in Panama City FL where he started his training as an Air Battle Manager. The only children we have right now are our two cats, Luc and Rockie. They need constant attention; I feed them and clean up after them. Sounds like children, doesn’t it? I’m currently working at the Bookmark at Schinnen and am enjoying making reading suggestions and espresso drinks. Though if something with a more m-f schedule came along, I may change directions. I’m also taking German classes through JFC Brunnsum and I’m finding out I’m not very good at it… It meets Monday nights, hence why I haven’t been to a few meetings lately. Spare time for me is spent reading, watching movies, or exploring the surrounding area of GK. I’m hoping to do lots of traveling while I’m here with the hubby and make lots of new friends along the way.

Name 3 things you need to have to be happy...
· A partner in crime (or husband)
· Something to drink (alcoholic or coffee related preferred J)
· A sense of adventure

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and why?
In Europe (oh wait, I’m already there!)

(Finish the sentence) the craziest thing I’ve ever done…

Getting married (I know, not that crazy but you haven’t heard the whole story yet…)

Name 5 places you love to go to around GK.
Sittard market either Thursday or Saturday
Heerleen
Try near by coffee shops/restaurants
Explore other areas near GK
Hanging out with friends in nearby areas.

Spotlight On: Erin Ferguson

Hello!!! I am Erin Ferguson and my home is the beautiful state of Colorado!! I love being outdoors and enjoy running, cycling, and skiing! We have lived in Germany for about 6 months now and are really enjoying all the travels and adventures that come with living overseas! Still need to hang pictures on the wall, but I have three years to do that- right!? We were in Panama City, Florida before we came to GK. We are kid free and hope to keep it that way for a while, although we have tons of nieces and nephews that we love to spoil! To keep myself busy over here I am work-ing on my MBA as well as having a job at Schinnen! I love to scrap book and make cards when I have the time! When I am not studying or working and Alec is home we love to go for long bike rides or take day trips to new places in the area!
I look forward to meeting each of you and getting to know you over the next three years!!!

Three things I need to be happy:
Running Shoes
Cards to write in and mail
Girlfriends/Family

If I could be anywhere in the world, it would be...

In Orlando, FL chasing my beautiful nephews around with my sister!!! Or in Colorado skiing with my dad!!

The craziest thing I’ve ever done is...

X-rated… Sorry!
[I have to say… now we’re all just curious and likely to ask you about it! :) ]

The top 5 places I like to go or things I like to do around GK are...

1. Going on bike rides around Tuddern with my hubby
2. Eating at Dolly Dimples in Sittard
3. Going out in Maastricht on the weekends
4. SnoWorld
5. Going to Kik to see what I can get for €1

Ways YOU can help...

Foggy Fields Bazaar!

Mark your calendars now!! The Bazaar is November 20-22 (19th is set up day). We'll need AWGK member to come out to SHOP and volunteer over the course of the weekend in 2 hour shifts. Save a little time for helping out and get a behind the scenes look at the Tri-Border area's biggest shopping event.

The money raised in the bazaar helps the local community. Last year, we were able to provide over $8,000 in grants for local students who applied. AWGK also was able to give monetary donations to different base organizations. The volunteer sign-up sheet has been e-mailed. Please sign up! By supporting this bazaar, you will support the GK community!

Donate Your Books!

Do you have books in very good to excellent condition that you're willing to part with? If so, bring them to the next general membership meeting! We're looking for donated books to sell at our AWGK book table at the Foggy Fields Bazaar in November. Proceeds benefit AWGK and our GK community.

Girl Scouts

The GK Girl Scouts need troop leaders for the coming year. If you're interested in getting involved, please contact Kelley Kagele at kkagele@gmail.com or +31 455210032(NL)

Mentor Moms

MOPS is looking for "Mentor Moms," women whose children are now in elementary school or higher, to volunteer their support and spiritual guidance. If you can help or if you know someone who would be perfect for this position, please contact Melissa Beggs at mmbeggs1973@yahoo.com

A&FRC

The A&FRC is always looking for an extra set of helping hands. If you have some time, stop or e-mail Yani Reid to see how you can make an impact. Contact Yani at deyanira.reid@geilenkirchen.af.mil

Spotlight On: Vanessa Carroll

Hello Everyone! My name is Vanessa Carroll and I just arrived to GK in May. I am originally from CA. I met my husband while we were in college; we met our second semester of college. I have a degree in Criminally specializing in Victimology and one in Psychology. At Tinker, our first station, I worked at the DA’s office as a victims advocate. I worked on the special victims cases dealing with rape, molestation and child abuse. Our last station was at Eglin in FL and there I didn’t work- I just had babies. While we were at Eglin my husband was deployed to Iraq 3 times. We have two little boys: Aidan who will be two in September (he is a before deployment baby) and Gavin who is 7 months old (he is an after deployment baby). Since the boys are so close together I don’t have a lot of spare time. I use to love to go dancing and go to the movies, but that doesn’t really happen anymore. The only time I dance now is when I am dancing with the kids. I do love to read and I still find time to do that. I am looking forward to traveling around Europe while we are here. I am a little nervous about doing it with two kids.

Three things I need to be happy:
My family
Chocolate
Books

If I could be anywhere in the world, it would be…
I would be in CA so I could be close to my family. I want my kids to be close to their extended family and I would love them to be best friends with their cousins.

The craziest thing I’ve ever done is…
I rode all of the roller coasters at Magic Mountain Six Flags in one day. The reason this is crazy is because I get motion sickness, and let me tell you I was sick at the end of the day on the way home. I know it’s not that crazy but is all I can think of; I tend to play it safe.

The top 5 places I like to go or things I like to do around GK are…
I haven’t really gotten to explore the area yet so I don’t have 5 places yet. I do love to go shopping in Sittard.

August meeting

Project Runway Night!

The meeting was Project Runway themed and we all had a great time building our outfits from garbage bags, scrap fabrics, duct tape, and safetypins.Here are a few pictures from that night...

A letter from your AWGK President...

Hello AWGK members and friends,

It's that time of year, PCS season, a time when we say goodbye to old friends and hello to new ones. If you're leaving GK this summer, know that those of us still here will miss seeing your familiar faces as we dash between the Natex, the clinic, and the soccer fields. We'll miss bumping into you as we drop off the dry cleaning and loop the aisles of the commissary.

If you're new to GK this summer, Welcome! If you're still feeling overwhelmed, never fear. It won't be long before the sea of strangers around you becomes comforting, familiar faces. We're glad you're here, and we'd love to have you join us soon at an AWGK event. Our August general meeting is inspired by one of TV's hit reality series (can you guess which one?). We've got craft nights coming up this month, and as the summer winds down, we look forward to resuming book club and dinner nights.

In September we'll send summer off in grand fashion with our Annual AWGK family BBQ, so plan now to bring the spouse and the kiddos for a great evening of family FUN. Please don't hesitate to drop me a note at wendy4167@gmail.com if you have questions or need more info about any of our upcoming events.

Hope to see each of you soon!

Wendy

Ways you could help...

Ways YOU can help...
OPEN BOARD POSITION - HISTORIAN
We are still looking for a smiling face to take pictures at our meetings and events.
No matter how long or not so long you’ve been at GK, there is a place for you to volunteer with AWGK. If you are looking for a way to help out, feel free to contact Wendy anytime at wendy4167@gmail.com.

BABYSITTER
We need someone to watch our children during the monthly board meetings. If you can help with our board meeting on August 4th from 9 -10am, please contact Wendy at wendy4167@gmail.com. Your help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

WEIGHT WATCHER COORDINATOR
The AWGK Weight Watcher Support Group is currently defunct, because its former leader PCSed this summer. If you would be interested in taking the reigns or even helping to start it up again, contact Wendy at wendy4167@gmail.com.

AWGK BOOK CLUB COORDINATOR??
If you are interested in joining a book club, let us know! If you have a preference on type of book, location, dates, etc. let us know that, too. More information will be coming soon. Contact Wendy at wendy4167@gmail.com.

FOGGY FIELDS BAZAAR
Mark your calendars now!! The Bazaar is November 20-22 with set up thursday the 19th. We’ll need AWGK members to come out to SHOP and volunteer over the course of the weekend in 2 hour shifts. Save a little time for helping out and get a behind the scenes look at the Tri-Border area’s biggest shopping event.

DONATE YOUR BOOKS
Do you have books in very good to excellent condition that you’re willing to part with? If so, bring them to the next general membership meeting! We’re looking for donated books to sell at our AWGK book table at the Foggy Fields Bazaar in November. Proceeds benefit AWGK and our GK community.

*Kick Off BBQ in September*

AWGK Kick Off Barbecue
September is our official kick off complete with a family barbecue. Come relax and get to know each other better! Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

AWGK 2009 Scholarship Ceremony

Here is a short video of the Scholarship Ceremony.

Without the wonderful volunteers at American Women of Geilenkirchen, this ceremony would never have been possible. Thank You to all the wonderful volunteers.

Here are the Scholarship winners...

Hoaly Bui Bell
Indiana University

Claudia Busuttil
University of Phoenix

Erin Clinch
University of Maryland University College

Christopher Mittuch
United States Military Academy

Ijeoma Popoola
University of Oklahoma

Matthew Roberts
Montana State University

Candace Waters
North Carolina A&T University

Lisa Stacey
University of Phoenix

Our 2208-2009 Scholarship winners

Here are more pictures of the Scholarship night...

Congratulations and Good Luck to all the AWGK Scholarship winners!