Friday, November 6, 2009

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.



Thursday, October 8, 2009

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










Monday, September 14, 2009

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.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

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...




Thursday, July 23, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Monday, May 4, 2009

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!
























Sunday, April 19, 2009

Laura "Sunshine" Whitford








Hey Ladies! My name is Laura Whitford. I have been here at GK for about two and a half years. I am happily married to my husband Jason, we don’t have any little ones yet, but we have a cute mini schnauzer named Alaric (Jason named him after a German King of the Visigoths that defeated Attila the Hun.)




Originally, I am from a small town in Illinois about an hour and fifteen minutes southwest of Chicago, named Sandwich. It’s okay, you can laugh! I graduated from Iowa State University in 2003 with a BS in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production, which translates into the fashion world. I mainly focused on the merchandising aspect of the degree, so I was trained to be a buyer. I also did floor layouts, window, and floor displays. I love my degree, only problem is that you usually have to live in a big city and work for the parent company in order to put my degree to work and since I married my husband right after graduation, I never got the chance. I did work for the department store Gordman’s in Oklahoma City for a little over a year. I was a floor manager and also part of their visual display department. I loved the job but hated the hours so; I became a loan counselor for Weokie Credit Union. It was also a great job and I loved the company. And would go back to work for them anytime!
In my spare time I love to read, hang out with my friends, cooking/baking, and do anything crafty! I scrapbook, cross-stitch, make handmade beaded Christmas ornaments, and I really love to make professional invitations. I even made my own wedding invitations and would love to start a business some day!

1. (Finish the sentence) Living here in GK has been…challenging but rewarding. Both Jason and I love to travel and have done so frequently. But you are also isolated. So we have grown closer through all the frustrating times here at GK, but we have definitely enjoyed our time here.
2. Name one fact that is not commonly known about you. I wanted to be an Environmental Lawyer. That was until my first semester of college. I took 21 credit hours (what was I thinking), and I had biology, chemistry, forestry, and geology all in the same semester. I was “scienced out” by the end, so I changed to something I was good at…. clothing.
3. If you were a superhero, what would your name be and what type of power would you have? I don’t know what I would call myself, but I would be able to make the sun shine, whenever I needed a sunny day. I get so much more done when it is sunny and it feels fantastic. Of course I would also love to freeze time so that I could get more accomplished in a day, but I think that everyone wants that!

Friday, March 20, 2009

AWGK 2009-2010 Executive Board Nominations and Biographies



AWGK 2009-2010 Executive Board Nominations



President
Wendy McLallen
I grew up in South Florida, just north of Miami. I went to college at a small school right outside of Orlando and upon graduation married my husband, Dan, and moved to Tallahassee, FL. Dan joined the Air Force in 2002, fulfilling what for him was a lifelong dream, and we came to GK via assignments in Warner Robins, GA and Panama City, FL. So you see, GK was an awesome assignment for us because it finally let us see a part of the world other than the southeastern United States! While in Tallahassee I completed a graduate degree in English, and I have taught English part time (mostly online) for the past several years. At some point in the future, once our Air Force gig is over and my boys have grown a bit, I hope to find a full-time community college teaching position. But... that time could be years and years down the road, so in the meantime, I'm enjoying the places the Air Force has sent us (places we'd never go on our own) and all the wonderful people we've met along the way. I have two young sons, Colin who's almost 4 and Brandt who's 8 months. As far as hobbies or what I enjoy in my "spare time"-- I'm trying to learn how to knit, but it took me forever to finish my first little baby hat, so I'm not sure how well that's going. We've recently acquired bikes and so I am going to take up biking as well. I like good coffee, good books, and am a sucker for cheesy, feel-good movies.


Vice President
Karen Abernathy
I was born in Hawaii, into an Army family. During my years as an Army “brat”, I lived in five different states, as well as in Berlin. I went to college at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, where I was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. I received my BS in Civil Engineering in 2000, and my MS in Civil Engineering in 2001. For just over one year I worked for LPA in Norcross, Georgia as a Design Engineer. I worked on both airport and highway design projects across the Southeast. I married my husband Jason in 2002 (we eloped actually ;) on the afternoon of his Navy OCS commissioning. In March 2003 I had my first daughter Amelia, followed by Alice in 2005. I have spent my time since then as a stay at home mom. I moved to GK 15 months ago from Port Hueneme, CA (yes, I miss the sun terribly!), where my husband served his sea tour with the VAW-113 Black Eagles. Even though I never saw my husband (he was gone for 22 of our 36 months there!), I had a great time in CA and left some great friends. My daughters attend our local German Kindergarten in Schalbruch. Both are now fluent in German and it is really fun and cool to listen to them rattle away at each other and their friends in Deutsch. I am working really hard to catch up with them in the language department. I also volunteer with Girl Scouts, having recently assumed the leadership role of the GK Daisy troop. I spent the last year as an AWGK Board member, serving as Secretary. I really enjoyed working with the Board, and would love the opportunity to continue to work with the group.


Secretary
Sharon Sherinian
I have lived in the GK area for two years now, and have served on AWGK board and committees in various positions. I acted as publicity chair my first year here, and last year I dabbled at the treasury position without managing to loose any money and acted as vendor liaison for the Foggy Fields Bazaar. I have two boys, ages 4 (Gabriel) and 7 (Jack), and I am sure that you have heard me yelling at them in the commissary at some point. My husband, John, is a good, hardworking soul, and he requires much less yelling at after almost 9 years of marriage. The good Lord orchestrated our meeting as we were both in the military since I am originally from Mississippi and he from California. It's been a good time here, not because of the weather or the mission, but because of the great support offered by all the women and community of GK. I am glad to be a part of that!

Treasurer
Johnna Pearce
Hello. My name is Johnna Pearce. I am lucky to have been an Air Force dependent most of my life. I was born in Albuquerque, NM, at Kirkland AFB. I lived in Bitburg from 1983-1986 with my parents. I am excited to be back in Germany although it is much different as a spouse. My father retired at Robins AFB. I can proudly call Georgia my home as I lived there for most of my life. I have a BBA from Mercer University where I majored in Finance and Management. After college, I worked for three companies in Accounts Payable and once in a staffing agency. During my time in AP, I became familiar with financial reports. My favorite task in Accounts Payable was solving problems whether it was researching payments or contacting companies for past due invoices and credits due. I have been out of the workforce for the past three years, but enjoy my time volunteering more than I did working.


Michael Mary Ann Allford


I was born in Healdton, Ok and raised in Moore, Ok. I attended Moore High School, were I met my husband. We dated for 8 years, (yes 8 years) before we got married. I worked for Oklahoma City public Schools for about 3 years and made a career change and started working for Farmers Ins. I worked for Farmers for 2 years before we were blessed with our first daughter, Dakota in July of 2003. A year later, I decided to stay home with her and became a stay at home mom. In November of 2006, we were blessed with our 2nd daughter, Cheyenne. In July of 2008 my husband called me while TDY and gave me the news that we had received orders to Germany. We lived through the short notice move and arrived here in Nov. 2008. Dakota is now 5 and attends Kindergarten on GK. Cheyenne is 2 and keeps me busy most of the day. I enjoy meeting other people, seeing different places and trying new things.


Rhonda Perez
My name is Rhonda Perez. I am from Louisiana and I am here with my husband, George Perez through May 2011. I am a Registered Nurse and I work in the 470th Medical Clinic as the Quality Services Manager. I have 3 children. My son Luke, who is 21 and lives in Louisiana. My daughter-Valerie, who is 13, soon to be 14 in April, who did not want to leave family, lives in Louisiana also. Our Daughter Kailtlin, who is 12, soon to be 13 in June, lives in England. I am an assistant to the Girl Scout Daisy Troop leader, Karen Abernathy. My favorite color is Blue. I am currently taking a Deutsch Language Class and it is a lot of fun. I like to travel, read, and shop. I look forward to my involvement with the AWGK in any capacity.

Parliamentarian
Jerrie Fielder
I'm 39 yrs old married to a wonderful man in the Navy name Marcus. I was born in 1969 Baltimore Maryland, the year Sesame street first broadcast on air... Have 6 children, 4 boys and 2 Girls. In My former Life I was a Travel Consultant. Travelling has been something I've always wanted to do, so moving here really have given me a great opportunity to see most of Europe. I love to draw, and I'm currently trying my hands at painting. I love to laugh and smile. Well that's all I have to say about myself, so hopefully you'll get this by tonight. Have a nice day.


Amber Ramage
My name is Amber Ramage. I was born in Moore, Oklahoma. I have two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister. My sister is married and just had her first child this past June. I am married to Zachary Ramage. He was born in Idaho, but moved to Germany with the military shortly after. They moved to Oklahoma when he was 10. He has three siblings, all older, one brother and two sisters. We have 5 nephews and 1 niece from his siblings. We do not have any children yet. However, we do have two cats, who are our children for now. We both went to Westmoore High School and played in the band, which is how we met. I graduated hair school in August 2005. I have been playing the flute through school and church since August 1997. I am currently playing with the Langbroich band. We have our big concert coming up on 21 March. We arrived here in Germany this past July. I have been doing hair from my home since we arrived here.


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

AWGK Scholarship and Essay Instructions

American Women of Geilenkirchen
2009 Dependent Scholarship Application and Essay Instructions

1. The following items must be completed and received in a sealed envelope no later than April 6, 2009 to be accepted by the AWGK Scholarship Committee.

a. AWGK Scholarship Application Form; signed and dated.

b. Current high school transcript or if more than 12 credit hours have been completed, current college transcript.

c. Written Essay.

d. Community Involvement/Extracurricular Activities Form (activities after 2003)

2. Written Essay

a. On a separate sheet of paper write an essay answering the following questions:

“What goals do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?”

“Describe a learning experience you’ve had since moving overseas?”

“Who has been influential in your life and why?”


b. The essay should be approximately 1000 words; however, it may not exceed three pages in length. It must be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font, font size 12. Use 1” margins. Do not refer to yourself by name in the essay.

c. The essay will be scored in the following areas: Content, Originality, and Mechanics (i.e. spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence construction).


LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.


Judging A Scholarship Judging Board composed of members of the U.S. community will evaluate and score each completed application package. Applications will be judged based on essays and academic, professional and personal development. The AWGK Scholarship committee will rank each package based on the scores and award the scholarships. All information will be treated IAW the Privacy Act of 1974.

Winners Award recipients will be recognized at the American Women of Geilenkirchen May 2009 General Membership meeting. Recipients of the award will be notified in advance of the date and issued an invitation to attend this meeting. Awards will be paid directly to the school where the recipient will be studying.

Return completed application by April 6, 2009 to:

American Women of Geilenkirchen Scholarship Committee
c/o Airman & Family Readiness Center
470 ABS/DPF
Unit 3485
APO AE 09104
If you have any questions, or would like to receive the application package via email, please contact Kathy Dallaire at +49 (0)2456-50-6718 or kathyzdallaire@hotmail.com.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

March Meeting

Here are just some of the photos taken at our International Night on Monday.


Thanks to Tiffany, the ladies had a great time baking, making a craft and playing games!

April showing the ladies how to make Pannekoeken pancakes


One batch didn't look too pretty...but it was delicious!


Amber and Jerrie enjoying International Night