April Newsletter

Fallas 2025 is now over, and spring 2025 has arrived! The Valencia skies are turning blue, the breeze is turning warm, and the rain has stopped. Now is the perfect time to be outside, and the IWCV has an assortment of events ready for you to enjoy! Keep reading to find out what they are and how to sign up, and don’t forget to check the IWCV website periodically as new events are being added all the time! 

FIRST TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING, Tuesday 1 April, 10:30am – Noon. Open to all women of Valencia, both IWCV members and those who have not officially joined us yet. There is no need to register in advance; just stop by on the terrace behind the MUVIM Museum for a cuppa and a chat!

WHERE WATER ONCE FLOWED: THE BRIDGES OF VALENCIA – A CULTURAL WALKING TOUR WITH DAVID OF ARS MAGNA, Thursday 3 April, 10:30am – 12:30pm. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. Curious to learn more about the Turia park and its bridges? Or about the Turia and Guadalaviar Rivers and the landmarks that grace their banks? Don’t miss this delightful walk with local historian David, of Ars Magna, where history and architecture blend seamlessly with nature. For complete details and to register, click here: Where Water Once Flowed: The Bridges of Valencia - A Cultural Tour with David of Ars Magna | IWC - Valencia

PRESENTATION BY THE AMERICAN CONSULAR AGENT IN VALENCIA, Friday 4 April, 3:00pm – 5:00pm, C/de Timoneda 6. Open to IWCV members, their partners/spouses, and Fellows of the IWCV. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the services offered by our American Consulate for U.S. citizens residing in Spain. Katherine Matles, our American Consular Agent in Valencia, will share essential information about the available services and discuss the legal requirements for "end-of-life" procedures. 

Note: This event is full, but you can join the waitlist by clicking here: WAIT LIST Presentation by the American Consular Agent in Valencia | IWC - Valencia

IWCV FELLOWS WELCOME MEETING, Monday 7 April 7 at El Corte Inglés from 11:30 to 1:30. All are invited to stop by and find out what the Fellows are up to this month! No need to register in advance.

FELLOWS HAPPY HOUR, Wednesday 16 April, 6pm – 8pm at Bruno’s Lucky 13, Carrer de Pere Aleixandre 13, Quatre Carreres. Open to everyone! There is no need to sign up in advance. Just stop by for a drink, to see old friends, and to make new ones!

APRIL IWCV LUNCHEON, Thursday 17 April, 2:00pm. For IWCV members only. Join us at Kalya, the ultimate destination for lovers of authentic Asian Cuisine. Located in Patraix, this restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates the rich tradition of gastronomy from the Asian continent. It is run by a multi-generational Asian family dedicated to catering, especially to Asian cuisine, since 1987. For complete details and to sign up, click here: April Luncheon | IWC - Valencia

A TASTE OF THAILAND: COOK, SAVOR, ENJOY! THAI CUISINE WORKSHOP, Saturday 19 April, 3:00pm – 8:00pm, in Ruzafa. Open to IWCV Members, their partners/spouses, Fellows of the IWCV, and out-of-town guests. Join Chef Carmelo in his home for a hands-on Thai cooking experience! The menu: Thai Sachets, Yellow Creamy Curry Shrimp, Pad Thai, Chicken Green Curry, and Coconut Custard. You must sign up by 9 April for this event. For complete details and to register, click here: A Taste of Thailand: Cook, Savor and Enjoy! | IWC - Valencia

A BOOK DISCUSSION WITH AUTHOR JEFFREY ULIN, Wednesday 23 April, 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. Enjoy a lively one-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 “OWL” HAPPY HOUR, Wednesday 30 April, 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!

A TASTE OF THE MOSEL: AN EXCLUSIVE WINE EXPERIENCE WITH KERPEN WINERY, Thursday 1 May, 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. 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 March 2025

We have 275 full Members with 14 joining us this month from the UK, US, Spain, Sweden, Holland and France. New members found us through other members' referrals, web searches and Facebook recommendations. 

A huge welcome to all our new members 

Alejandra Abella

Amanda Kelly

Ann Johnson

Anne Marie Valkenberg

Currie Blair

Cynthia Farrar

Francoise Sabour

Jennifer Hoffecker

Kaila Krayewski

Karen Marr

Lizzie Barlow-Heiss

Lucy Dyer

Maria Antonia Timmers

Sarah Delbert-Schmoll

Happy Birthday to all our April ladies!

Alla Volpyansky

Amanda Kelly

Anne Marie Gundersen

Camila Velez

Cynthia Farrar

Danielle Beeson

Diane Dologh

Elizabeth Zipse

Emma Zell

Marti Lay

Martina Van de Gay

Monique Cordell

Nuria Sanmartin

Pauline Fitzgerald

Sara Ardetti

Susan Fernie

Teresa van Ellekom

Teresa Villegas

March was another bumper month for new joiners. I have noticed members recommending the group to new arrivals in Valencia on the Expat Facebook pages. Valencia is, as you all know, an increasingly popular city and people are moving here in their droves! 

Members come from all over the world, some 42 countries in total with a slight bias to the US, UK and Spain. So, as well as those countries, if you are French, Venezuelan, Mexican, Dutch, Colombian, Ukrainian, wherever! – why not invite your friends to join us, they will be very welcome.  

Our regular Coffee Morning takes place next Tuesday 1st April at Muvim Cafe. If you are new to this you will spot us easily. If you are new and find approaching a group slightly intimidating (I know I do) please come over and ask for Janine. We had to cancel the last coffee morning due to the Weather Warning in Valencia so I’m sure, like me, you missed the catch up with friends old and new. Hope to see you there!

Thanks to the members who stepped up after our last call for new Ambassadors - Thank You - Leah Newman, Roz Flans, Jennifer Rodriguez and Ruth Ann Hepler and of course all our “ old” Ambassadors. We really appreciate it.  If anyone would like to join the Ambassador team please contact Famke on fgrootswagers@gmail.com

Remember, all the really useful information about what’s 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.

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISING

Pauline Fitzgerald, VP – Charities

As we approach Spring our charities need our help more than ever. To make personal donations please see below bank details for Proyect Vivir, Casa Caridad & Casa Ronald.

Proyecto VivirES75 3159 0066 9828 5328 2123

Casa Caridad1. La Caixa: ES47 2100 0736 0022 0061 23102. Banco Sabadell: ES75 0081 7352 4300 0105 7311

Casa RonaldES27 0081 1518 9300 0150 8057

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 thanks us for our support.

Casa Caridad, an organization dedicated to caring for homeless people and those at risk of social exclusion, has been doing amazing work in support of those affected by the Dana. It has:

• Cared for more than 20,000 people

• Received contributions from companies and individuals amounting to almost 5 million euros. Of this amount, 90% has already been spent on direct aid, basic products, housing solutions, household appliances, etc

• Responded to more than 1,000 calls requesting information and help, working in close coordination with Social Services and City Councils to detect urgent needs

• Delivered more than 500 pallets of essential products to affected municipalities and families, as well as fresh produce in areas without functioning supermarkets

• Provided financial and food support to 43 vulnerable families

• Provided 22 emergency places in the former Pechina nursery school

• Given up its nursery school in Torrent to accommodate children from the Xenillet school, which was seriously affected by the disaster

• Distributed nearly 6,000 appliances in ground zero

• Subsidised the rehabilitation or rental of 83 homes with up to 4,000 euros in each case

• Acquired 12 fully furnished homes in Torrent, equipped with air conditioning and appliances, thanks to the donation of 2.27 million euros made by the Foundation for the Promotion of Solidarity Actions

In addition, the Valencian Charity Association has launched a scholarship programme for vocational training students from affected communities and has provided direct support to 50 small businesses with grants of 10,000 euros each.

A call for solidarityCasa Caridad had never before worked on a social emergency of this nature and magnitude. However, the organisation became the centre for receiving donations from all over the world, from individuals and companies looking for a private and independent Valencian NGO to channel their aid. To manage these donations, a specific account was opened to receive contributions intended to directly help the thousands of affected Valencians, with the transparency that characterises Casa Caridad, which has the seal of Transparency and Good Practices from Fundación Lealtad and its accounts are audited by BDO Auditores.

Currently, it continues working to raise funds to continue helping people affected by Dana in the province of Valencia and specifically to attend to 150 requests that are awaiting a response. For this reason, the NGO is launching an appeal to companies and individuals, for which it has enabled two bank accounts (CaixaBank: ES2321008681530200122656and RENTA 4 BANCO: ES7600830001110097130755)and Bizum number 11001.

Thank you for your support ladies, all donations are greatly appreciated!

ACTIVITIES

Susan Burke March, VP—Activities

Events! March was full of excitement in Valencia, with Fallas festivities lighting up every corner of the city. On our Events calendar, members enjoyed unique experiences, from Chef Carmelo’s Peruvian Cooking Workshop and a day trip to a stunning orange grove led by Pau of Beyond Valencia. Members enjoyed a “Grape Expectations” wine tasting and the popular annual Fallas Tour at Casal de Pilar sold out! We also explored the culture of Persian carpets (with tasty treats included!), and Attorney Javier Hernandez held a fourth roundtable session at his Calle Colón office. Our March cultural presentation by David of Ars Magna about the Iberians in Valencia will be rescheduled soon, and we wrapped up the month with Martin the Magician's Magic Class – with all proceeds donated to Casa Ronald Valencia.

We have more fun and interesting events scheduled for April – so log in and register today! https://www.iwc-valencia.com/events-for-the-month

Activities! April is a great time to reassess and try something new. We have regularly scheduled activities! We welcome you to join in. Log in 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 descriptions and some welcoming words from our activity coordinators:

Solo Women of the IWCV: 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 writes, "In April, our Solo Women group will be meeting the first and third Friday of the Month. On April 8th we go to our first of four dance classes!  Merengue!"

Spanish and Coffee: Next Level Conversations: This weekly Spanish Conversation meeting helps non-beginners improve their Spanish skills. It meets every Wednesday 11:00 at the El Corte Inglés:  27 C/de Colon in the sixth-floor cafeteria. Coordinator Joanne Haas writes, “This friendly group helps non-beginners improve their Spanish by engaging in discussions on everyday topics like shopping and doctor visits. Practice, gain confidence, and enjoy great conversations over coffee!”

Spanish Conversation Practice Group for Beginners: 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 writes, “I was hoping for 6 to 20 participants - instead 30 responded.  Obviously, others felt the same need as I - the need to start saying our Spanish words out loud even if we can't make sentences or don't know a lot of Spanish words yet.  I'm excited to see where this takes us . . .”

Women Who Walk: 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 writes, “Women Who Walk continues to meet on Fridays at 11 (weather allowing). We spend about an hour walking in the Turia then stop at a cafe where we continue to chat and get to know new members. We're looking forward to the sunny spring weather and the blooming plant life in the park!” 

Mahjong Monday: 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.com

Monthly Gameplay & Member-Hosted Board Games. 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 twice monthly to allow more members to enjoy the evening together. Coordinator Ann Linton writes, “If you like playing card or boards games, check out our two activities - Member-hosted Board Games and Monthly Gameplay.  We have more than 40 members! For more information please email me at annlinton@me.com or join me on our WhatsApp chats.” 

Self-Care for Caregivers: 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 writes, “Our Self-Care for Caregivers group is an on-going source of support, information, resources and care - for the caregivers! We are so grateful to have each other in this group. We prioritize mutual support and vital access to what we need to keep ourselves and our loved ones well, safe and thriving.”

Chicas de Libros. If you love to read, then join us! We will read some great books and discuss them once a month. Coordinator: Ruth Ann Hepler, ruthannhepler@gmail.com or WhatsApp +34 613 395 458

FELLOWS OF THE IWCV

Carey Hepler, Coordinator

The IWCV Fellows Welcome Meeting will be on Monday, April 7 at El Corte Inglés from 11:30 to 1:30.  Phil Duff and Joe Gawronski are leading the April meeting.

The Fellows Happy Hour will be at Bruno’s Lucky 13 in Rusafa on Wednesday, April 16. Chuck LoBianco has volunteered to coordinate again.

The Fellows of the IWCV is open to all men of Valencia. For questions or to join, please contact Carey Hepler at carey.hepler@gmail.com.

APRIL HOLIDAYS IN VALENCIA

Friday 18 April Good Friday

Monday 21 April Easter Monday

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

Jane Buck,

President