PCEC learns the power of one

The power of one - this was the message that Linda Cruse gave at the Sunday, February 5 meeting of the Pattaya City Expats Club. Linda is a remarkable lady who for the past 12 years has gone from one disaster area to another to provide assistance. During those 12 years. Linda traveled on 3 continents to 16 countries with just one suitcase, which contains all that she owns. She said that even one person can make a difference in the lives that have been impacted by the disaster. Linda said when she started, she felt that as a trained nurse she had something to offer.

Ivan from Cuba introduces Linda Cruse, to talk of her work in many of the world’s recent disaster areas.

Linda asked everyone to take a few moments and think about who were their heroes when they were young. Afterward, she said that most people grow up to be the kind of person they most admired; their heroes. She mentioned that her heroes were Grace Aylward who traveled across Siberia to work as a missionary in northern China in the 1930s and 1940’s; Florence Nightingale who laid the foundation for professional nursing; and Alexandra David-N้el, who went to Tibet as part of her explorations. So, in many ways, she emulated her heroes with her trekking to various countries to provide aid. In doing so, she found that things she previously took for granted were no longer there such as clean water or electricity. Although there were hardships, it was well worth the effort.

There were two particular disasters that Linda said she would talk about and what she was able to accomplish. One was the aftermath of the tsunami that struck in December 2004. She made her way to Khao Lak and was truly struck by the human tragedy and level of grief. There were many children who had lost their families and their support system. She mentioned the sadness around her, but noticed that there were artists whose drawings brought some relief into the lives of the children and others.

Transnational aid worker Linda Cruse shares with PCEC members her philosophy, called ‘The Power of One”, which she practices in her assistance in the world’s natural disaster areas.

She explained how having been an amateur magician in the UK, she came up with the idea of getting magicians to come to Khao Lak to bring some joy into the lives of the children. Through her connections with the Brotherhood of Magicians she was able to find volunteers. The first volunteer showed up within two weeks. With magic, there is no language barrier and he was able to bring some happiness into their lives. Linda said a teacher approached her and pointed to a little girl and said that was the first time she had seen her smile since she lost her family.

Arabella Spencer-Churchill, granddaughter of Winston, who was involved in charity work that arranged circus performances to benefit children contacted Linda about her efforts. Shortly thereafter, there were clowns, stilt walkers and others to join the magicians in helping the children and others get through the grief and on the road to getting their lives back to normal.

Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg opens the Pattaya City Expats meeting, inviting new members and guests to introduce themselves.

The devastating earthquake in Pakistan was another time when she was able to make a difference. Linda said that one of her skills is facilitating private sector involvement in providing assistance. However, in Pakistan, this proved to be a challenge because business people did not have first hand knowledge of the conditions and would not travel to the impacted area as there was too much risk in being kidnapped. So Linda decided to get firsthand knowledge of the conditions. Linda undertook this role, traveling in a burkha and getting around in a battered old taxi. She was able to make her observations and talked with the local people on what was needed. She then returned with this information and the business people told her, “Now we know what to do.”

In conclusion, Linda displayed several poignant pictures of the many countries and places she visited during her 12 years of going from disaster area to disaster area. After the photos, Linda said that her main message was that you as an individual can make a difference - look around you and decide what you can do because even a little can be beneficial and will make a difference.

Linda has also authored a book about her disaster work entitled “Cakes and Kalashnikovs - A Call to Arms - 16 countries, 3 continents, 12 years and one suitcase.” The book should be published this year.

After Linda answered several questions, Master of Ceremonies Richard Silverberg then called on Pat Koester to conduct the always informative and sometimes humorous Open Forum, where questions about living in Thailand and Pattaya in particular are asked and answered.

The Pattaya City Expats Club meets every Sunday at the Amari Orchid’s Tavern by the Sea Restaurant. Read more about the Club’s activities on their website at www. pattayacityexpatsclub.com.

PILC welcomes new committee at AGM

The Pattaya International Ladies Club’s newly elected committee (L to R) Alvi Sinthuvanik, hospitality chair; Christine Ross, chair of membership; Suzie Zofkie, secretary; Ananya Welland, special events chair; Ann Winfield, president and newsletter chair; Helle Rantsen, vice president and welfare chair; and Lisa Bachman, treasurer.

Ann Winfield

The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, February 7. At the AGM, outgoing president Bea Grunwell gave a report of the affairs of the club, each committee gave a report of the past year’s business, other matters pertaining to the club were discussed, and a new president and general committee were elected.

Over 90 members were in attendance at the beautiful Seaview Ballroom on the 17th floor of the Hilton Hotel. The hotel laid on a lovely buffet for the ladies, and the staff was most attentive and friendly. As the meeting was called to order, outgoing president, Bea Grunwell, made routine club announcements, and outgoing committee members each gave a report of their respective areas of responsibility for the past year. Bea also thanked the membership for their support during the past year and said how much she had enjoyed the responsibilities of the presidency.

Meeting up with good friends - there’s nothing else quite like it.

Roseanne Diamente, chair of the nominating committee, thanked Bea and her committee for their hard work last year and presented each retiring chairperson with a bottle of wine as a token of thanks from the club. She then welcomed in the new committee chair persons, calling each member to the podium and reading a short biography of each person as they stepped up.

Ann Winfield, born and raised in Coventry, England and now a naturalised American citizen was elected president and newsletter chair; Helle Rantsen, from Denmark, became vice president and welfare chair, a position she had held four years ago during her last stay in Thailand; Suzie Zofkie, from the US was elected secretary; Lisa Bachman, also American was named treasurer; Ananya Welland, from Thailand was named as special events chair; well-known local volunteer, Alvi Sinthuvanik, also from Thailand remained as hospitality chair, and Christine Ross, from Great Britain, became chair of membership.

Outgoing president, Bea Grunwell, says thank you to the club members, and especially the committee that did such a great job during the past year.

Incoming president, Ann Winfield, said she saw her role as president of PILC as one of overseeing the smooth day to day running of the almost 250-member club and ensuring that an appropriate direction is taken by the main committee. In addition, the PILC’s constitution, she stated, has two aims: the first aim is to provide opportunities for members to meet socially, to welcome newcomers, and to encourage members to participate in activities. The second aim is to support charitable organizations in Thailand.

“As president,” said Ann, “I plan to ensure that we continue to live up to our mission as stated in these aims. We are successful in offering support to international women by helping them to develop friendships and we help expatriate women settle into the community by providing opportunities for social, cultural, and philanthropic endeavors. And,” she added, “I want to make sure that the PILC remains a fun, social, and friendly organization for all members, old and new.”

Ann also pointed out that more and more younger women were joining the organization as the economy picks up on the Eastern Seaboard and foreign companies again have started transferring their experienced administrators here to oversee production.

In regards to the second aim, Ann reminded members that, “Every day we are helping to make our community a better place to live for hundreds of our less fortunate neighbors. Our various welfare projects make an incredible difference in the lives of hundreds of community members and I see my role as that of making sure that the greater public is aware of all of these endeavors at all times.”

The new committee, said Ann, is very enthusiastic about the year to come and have already been brainstorming ways to improve on the already strong administrative structure of the 250 member-organization. They all agree that they plan to work hard to improve and build on the many functions, activities, and welfare projects the club organizes and run for members and the community at large.

The new president then thanked the members again and said she faced the coming year with excitement and enthusiasm.

The PILC has been in existence for almost 25 years in Pattaya and is made up of almost 250 members from all walks of life, aged from early twenties to mid-eighties, and drawn from 34 countries. The club offers all sorts of social and community opportunities for women who are living here long-term or for a short while. Please go to www.pilc-pattaya.com to find out more about the Pattaya International Ladies Club.

The PILC is made up of almost 250 members from all walks of life, aged from early twenties to mid-eighties, and drawn from 34 countries.

Chinese acrobats help Pattaya Orphanage raise more than 100,000 baht

Feiyan troupe organizer Nanthiya Kittikiettisak presents orphanage Director Rev. Veera Phangrak with a donation of 100,000 baht.

Phasakorn Channgam

Chinese acrobatics helped the Pattaya Orphanage raise more than 100,000 baht at a charity performance and fair.

The Hunan Feiyan Acrobatic Troupe put on 14 acts over two hours Feb. 4, amazing the Thai and foreign audience with its “skate ballet,” boneless girl act, contortionists and gymnasts.

All of the proceeds from the 200 baht-per-ticket performance, plus sales of food, beverages and souvenirs, went to the orphanage’s children’s education fund. In addition, before the curtain went up, Feiyan troupe organizer Nanthiya Kittikiettisak presented orphanage director, Rev. Veera Phangrak and Deputy Director Kritsada Sukkaphat with a donation of 100,000 baht.

Kritsada explained that the Pattaya Orphanage begins educating its charges as early as age 3 and encourages them to remain at the facility until their education is complete. Even during summer holidays, kids can partake in computer and English-language courses.

Acrobats display amazing strength and agility.

They call this the boneless girl act, showcasing amazing flexibility.