Events 2016-2017

Many thanks to all the organizers for putting together this year's AGM and to all the Executive Committee members for their hard work in keeping the IWCB running smoothly all year.  After dispensing with business, we all enjoyed the potluck of international dishes brought in by our multicultural members.

Thank you, Robin, for another interesting and informative Cultural Exchange! Rosemie and Ulrike treated us to talks on the history of jewelry, including images and some history on their own exquisite personal collections.  Stela gave a presentation on her beautiful homeland of Moldova, and Irina told us about her work with the Love is Kind organization which helps needy children in her country.  Irina, Angela, Natalia and Stela demonstated the Hora din Moldova, the country's national folk dance.  Joann finished up with another thought-provoking short film from Australia.

The Ayer Mansion is a gem on Commonwealth Avenue in the Back Bay.

The tour given by a staff member was very informative: about the Mansion's history and many owners, its designer Louis Comfort Tiffani and his many pieces throughout the house, the restoration efforts and its current use as a residence for college students.

Afterwards members had lunch at Pho Countryside nearby.

Thank you Suzanne for leading the visit, and Meri for suggesting the Mansion and the restaurant.

We had a beautiful day to walk down from Evelyne's house to observe the first women and men runners making their way toward the finish line after Heartbreak Hill, followed by our book discussion during lunch in the garden.  Thank you, Evelyne, for hosting!

Many thanks to Dr. Theodore Steinman for showing his documentary "A Battalion Surgeon's Story of the Vietnam War" and for sharing his experiences and perspectives from the time he served in combat in the U.S. Marines in 1966-67. 

We were also treated to a narrative and slides from Ines about her cruise and bike tour to the Iles de la Madeleine.  Thank you to Ines, and to Robin for organizing the program!  

A big thank you to Meri for organizing the very interesting and informative tour of the Boston Athenaeum on Beacon Street followed by lunch at the Carrie Nation restaurant.

Many thanks to Darina for hosting a lunch to prepare and share her recipes for Russian cooking!

The Holiday Party was a festive affair with great food and wonderful company. We all thank Brigitte K for graciously opening her beautiful home again this year to host the event.

On a beautiful Fall day, a group gathered at the Abiel Smith School, a school build in 1835 by the city of Boston for black children. Children went to this school until 1855, when Boston's public schools were integrated.

Now the school is part of the Museum of African American History and currently the Exhibit space holds many of abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass' rare prints, books, artifacts, and photographs. 

The African Meeting House also belongs to the Museum, and Boston's free black community used it for religious, social, educational and political activity.

A quick look inside the Vilna Shul completed our visit, since it is located right on the Black Heritage Trail. 

Everyone was hungry and ready for a delicious lunch at Antonio's on Cambridge St. 

It was an informative visit of the North Slope of Beacon Hill. Thank you, Eileen for taking us!

So nice to see everyone!