AWCB NEWS

Our Friends giving celebration at All Saints Church on November 16th was very special.

Members feasted on a scrumptious soul food meal with smoked turkey and Thanksgiving fixings including dessert that was prepared by AWCB sponsor, Dooley’s Smokehouse.

It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate our camaraderie, share laughter and express gratitude for the unifying bonds that shine brightly, illuminating the essence of our extraordinary club. 

The FAWCO Region 4 meeting (Oct 10-12, 2023) was hosted by AWC Amsterdam and organized by their dedicated FAWCO rep, Madeline Hendricks alongside their dynamic President, Georgia Chambury-Burke. 

AWCB President Lorraine De Bock attended the meeting and was genuinely impressed by the remarkable experience this gathering offered. 

The weekend commenced with a captivating "Share your gifts for good" auction with proceeds benefiting FAWCO Target Project, "Awesome Blossoms, Safe Spaces" raising an impressive 12,000 euros! AWCB made a donation of 200 euros to Awesome Blossoms and also contributed an additional 160 euros generated by auction gifts donated by Lorraine. 

A day of camaraderie unfolded at the enchanting goat farm, providing insightful revelations about our environmental impact.

The meeting reached its pinnacle with a motivating session featuring Peninah Nthenya Musyimi, Executive Director of Safe Spaces, and Allan C'Oredo, Project Manager of Awesome Blossoms.

The Region 4 meeting was exceptionally uplifting. A heartfelt thank you goes to Madeline and Georgia for their outstanding efforts in organizing an amazing FAWCO Region 4 meeting as well as AWC Amsterdam member, Leslie Janoe for her excellent moderation throughout the session.

AWCB & American Club of Brussels members enjoyed a lovely evening together at the Final Friday Networking Cocktail that was hosted at a new rooftop bar in Brussels-TOPE, located above the Hoxton hotel.

AWCB members traveled to the Pajottenland region of Belgium this afternoon and enjoyed an exquisite lunch at Abtenhuis.

We are thrilled to announce that we have a new club sponsor, Dooleys American Smokehouse! We are excited to welcome them to our community and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. 

We spoke with owner Darren Dooley to learn more about the restaurant.

Where are you from the USA?
I am from Decatur, Illinois, but my family is from Alabama, so southern cooking has always been part of the family tradition. 

When did you move to Belgium?
I came to Belgium for the first time in 1999 for family reasons. Since then we have been living between Belgium and the various European diplomatic assignments in Asia and Africa. I had a Tex-Mex restaurant in Uganda for six years and I still have also an American style BBQ restaurant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia since 2018. We returned back to Belgium most recently in 2019.

When did you open your restaurant in Brussels?
We opened in June 2022, so one year ago. It has been an exciting journey.

How did you get this idea?
After owning several restaurants where we introduced American and Tex-Mex cooking to the African clients, in Belgium, I wanted to go back to my roots and to combine the famous American Smoke House tradition with the authentic Soul Food from the Southern USA. Dooley's American Smoke House is all about sharing meals with family and friends, and getting the taste of traditional American cuisine in the capital of Europe.

Was it a challenge to get the Smoker equipment into Belgium?
It was possible to order online the electric smokers that use flavored wood that bring the taste for our smoked meats, and we use other grill equipment available in Belgium. The main challenge is to order the specific spices that make the Soul Food taste, this includes for example the secret seasoning mix I prepare for my famous buttermilk fried chicken.

How do you like living in Belgium?
I enjoy the international atmosphere of Brussels. My restaurant is located in Etterbeek, where we also have our house. It is near the European Institutions and many Americans also live in the neighborhood. We have met so many nice people from all nationalities since we opened the restaurant and I look forward to welcoming everyone who is interested to discover the true American hospitality.

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We hope you will visit Dooleys American Smokehouse, and make sure join us for one of our AWCB evens there! 

On 28 March AWCB Members came together for an interactive and informational session with our new sponsor Ya Qian of Accuherb at Brussel's beautiful and exclusive female focused club, The Nine. 

Ya explained what Acupuncture is and what makes her Deluxe Acupuncture Therapy different from standard Acupuncture treatment. She answered our questions and did some live demonstrations for the brave people that raised questions about issues they are having; and for those that wanted to know more about meditation and breathing techniques.

Watch the video

The proceeds of our FAWCO fundraiser luncheon this past February will be donated and matched which will double our donation to The FAWCO Target Project 5, Awesome Blossoms. 

Awesome Blossoms, Edible Fresh Fields for Sustainable Life in the Slums, an Urban Farming Project, is an initiative taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the negative impacts of climate change in the Mathare slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Target Project 5 will be a model of environmental stewardship by women living in the harshest conditions. The women from Awesome Blossoms will demonstrate that people living in the slums are not victims, but by working together, they can protect their environment, withstand climate change, produce safe foods, and create independence and security. 

Have you recently returned to the United States - or are you planning to move back after living overseas? If yes then you should join FAUSA, which supports members who have repatriated and are experiencing the joys, challenges and changes involved in returning home.

FAUSA is the social and philanthropic network which supports former FAWCO club members and others repatriating to the United States and Canada. Members maintain overseas friendships through participation in local and virtual groups, and annual meetings, while continuing to participate in FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation activities, teams and boards. 

To learn more about FAUSA, and tips and guidance for returning home, register for the two-part webinar Homeward Bound.

10 May 2023 - Homeward Bound

September 2023 (date TBD) - I’ve moved back, now what?

Find out more and register

Congratulations to AWCB member Brooke Peterson, who was awarded the FAWCO Foundations Skills Enhancement Award at the FAWCO Conference.

Brooke will attend the Master in International Association Management program at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management. The course is taught by renowned experts, with a focus on leadership for global non-profit organizations. This course includes modules on Leadership, Strategy & Change Management, Strategic Marketing & Communications, Project Management, Finance and Governance and Sustainability.

We are very proud of Brooke and wish her the best of luck in her studies.

AWCB members with US Citizenship are now eligible to join the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU). FAWCO has gained approval for FAWCO members to join this credit union. All AWCB members are also FAWCO members. AWCB members' family members may also eligible to join the credit union.

The SDFCU is an American credit union which enables its members to have worldwide accessible bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and lending services. Benefits include low fees, no requirement for permanent USA address or USA phone number.

Our Treasurer, Kristen Crosson, is currently signing up for SDFCU membership and will keep our Club updated on this exciting new banking opportunity, including benefits for non-resident alien spouses and children both above/under age 17.