MPSN June2018 Newsletter

JUNE 2018 - VOL. 2 NO. 6

MPSNCONNECTION

The Newsletter for the CCAD Medical Providers Spouses' Network

Advice on how to beat
the summer heat! 

It's that time of year again, when ex-pats and locals
alike travel to relatively cooler climates for the
summer. Though many do migrate north for the
warmer months, others stay. We asked MPSN
Member Carol Ann Hood what she does to survive the
heat and what advice she would give new members
making the transition to Abu Dhabi in the height of the
summer heat..

MPSN Connection: What is your favorite summer activity in Abu Dhabi or the UAE?
CAH: Staying out of the heat! Lots of indoor activities and crafts, like art classes, indoor
fitness classes such as yoga.

MPSN Connection: What advice or words of wisdom would you give to new physicians
and families on boarding this summer?
CAH: It's a stressful time so it helps to keep a sense of humor. Many tasks take multiple
attempts. It's best to just roll with it. It can be frustrating but anger will only give you high
blood pressure! So find the humor and share your adventures with your friends and families
at home. There will be some interesting stories to tell.

For more from Carol, see page 5.

On behalf of the MPSN, we would like
to wish you and your family Eid Mubarek!

Thoughts and Notes...

A Letter from the President 

Dear MPSN Members,

Before we pause for summer vacation, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the first year
with the MPSN board. When the board first started back in September of 2017 we were starting
from scratch with only a vision of what we wanted for this community. There were a lot of
meetings and discussions to build this from the ground up. We hosted our first event with the
theme ‘The Power of We’ to help explain our mission – to build a stronger, more supportive
community for each other. We were so grateful for the warm welcome we received and for how
many people stepped up to help us.

Many wonderful things have happened as a result of the amazing efforts of the board. I really
want to take a minute to thank all of them for their hard work, time, and energy they have poured
into MPSN starting with Brook Suri who helped carry the vision of a support network into reality.
Brook has carefully helped guide the board along the way.

Samala Khan has literally brought us all together with her dynamic strategies and effective ways
of communicating with our members. She has also worked to host our book club with her carefully
thought out and versatile selection of books.

Robin Hammer joined us this year as secretary and jumped right into her role with fine tuning our
communication and adding insightful ideas to the discussions. Unfortunately, she will be leaving
us this summer and we are heartbroken to see her go. Robin is a one of a kind individual with a
heart of gold, she will be missed. Our new secretary will be Claire Cartwright. We really look
forward to her joining the team in September. Claire is level headed and full of fresh insight.
Despite not having to start until the Fall, she is already busy working.

Nadine Saleh joined us as our activities coordinator. Those of you who have had the pleasure of
knowing Nadine know she has a gift of warmth and comfort that brings everyone around her
together. She has hosted so many creative activities to keep different personalities interested. We
can’t thank her enough for taking so much of her time to host these events that unite others.

Jane Browne has been working hard at a lot of behind the scene work to help establish the
board’s guidelines and function. She has sat in on many meetings with OPSA to help bridge a
relationship.

Last, but certainly not least, would be probably one of our most crucial members, Reema
Abuelroos. Her role is absolutely critical to MPSN as she is the face to new comers. She meets

with new families and helps answer important questions they may have as they settle. Reema
has done a fabulous job of extending her hand to welcome so many new families.

The success of MPSN is not limited to the work of the board members. We have had so much
help from members like Jo-Anne Williams who originally brought the idea of a spouse network to
CCAD and shared her work for creating guidelines for the organization with Jane. Cristina
Guzman has been working with us to help communication and creating welcome baskets. OPSA
has been working on getting us newcomer’s information so we can greet people when they arrive.
They also provided funding for our welcome basket initiative. We have had lots of help finding
newcomers just by the word of mouth from other MPSN members. We are truly lucky to have
such a caring community.

It’s not an easy process to uproot your family and move across the world. As we all can
remember, there are so many moving parts and endless amounts of questions along the way. Our
goal moving forward is to continue to get in touch with new families as soon as possible to ease
the burden of that process. We want families to know we are here for them so when they land,
there is a whole network of people here willing to help and welcome them into our Abu Dhabi
family. As expats, that’s really who were are to each other: an urban family. We want to work hard
to continue to strengthen our ability to reach out and support our urban family. When everyone
returns this fall, we look forward to hosting our fall event. Please stay tuned for a save the date!
We will continue to host new activities along with some new night activities to include working
MSPN members. There will be a new playgroup to provide support for the MPSN members who
are at home with small children. By late fall, we will start the election process so that the board
can be turned over to a new team of members in January.

In my experience working on the board this past year, I have learned so much and enjoyed so
much of my experience. The best part by far has been being able to work with such amazing
people. Thank you to everyone in the MPSN community for participating, showing up, and giving
us the motivation to make this even bigger and better!

Thank you,
Shana Ahmad
President, Medical Providers Spouses’ Network

Upcoming Events Marhaba!

MONTHLY COFFEE MEETING If you are new to Cleveland Clinic Abu
MONDAY, JUNE 25TH Dhabi, Marhaba or Welcome! The
10 AM, LEOPOLD'S OF LONDON purpose of MPSN is to support CCAD
GALLERIA MALL spouses' through connecting members,
offer resources, and organizing social
Join us for our monthly coffee morning events.
for a opportunity to connect with MPSN
members. For more info or to RSVP, Our board members for 2017-2018 are:
contact Reema at [email protected]
President - Shana Ahmad
MPSN BOOK CLUB
THURSDAY, JUNE 28 Vice President - Jane Browne
10 AM, THE LIBRARY
PARK HYATT SAADIYAT Secretary - Claire Cartwright

We will be discussing Born a Crime by Membership Director - Reema Abuelroos
Trevor Noah. For more information,
Communications Director - Samala Khan
email Samala at [email protected]
Activities Coordinator - Nadine Saleh

Second Hand
Stat Souk!

Have items you need to get rid of? Need
to find some furniture, stat! We have
recently started a souk on Facebook to

help promote items for sale in the CCAD
family.

For more information, please email us at
[email protected]

Thoughts and Notes...

"Summertime and the livin's easy"  by Carol Ann Hood

Soon most of you will be taking off for the summer. I will be one
of the few people staying behind. I can already feel the city slowing.

The signs of summer are everywhere. Each morning moving trucks
fill the parking in front of the Arc with workers steadily unloading
boxes and packing material. The temperature has already crested
40C. Outside tables are empty. The few people on the street are
shading themselves with umbrellas, or anything that will block the sun.
The beaches are almost empty. A hot tub bath at home is cooler than the sea. All signs of
summer.

Since spending time outdoors has been seriously curtailed what will I do? I would like to tell you I
will use the time wisely. I will finally get organized. Clear the closets, declutter the house, put
photos in some sort of order. Admirable goals, but not honest. In many ways I am not much
different than a golden retriever. Start off focused and on task then just like Dug the dog in
UP…“Squirrel!” and I’m totally off in another direction.

So how will I honestly spend my time? Six days a week I go to the gym. Three times a week with
the trainer, and yoga on the other days. I like the routine of knowing I need to be someplace each
morning. You would think I would have the body of a goddess instead of the body of a goddess’s
grandmother. For each calorie I burn I take in two. It may be because I love to bake. Pies, cookie
and cake recipes collected over the past year will be tested and shared.

I will pull out my needle felting supplies. About two years ago I took up the craft. Needle felting
turns bits of wool into 3D objects using a variety of sharp needles. You can see some of the
beautiful things people create online. I made a cute snowman and countless cat toys. Everything
I make seems to end up as a compact ball of wool, cat approved, I will keep trying.

I will spend time at the Louvre. What a perfect place to get out of the
heat and enjoy an afternoon.

Summer is a wonderful time to catch up on films either in the theater or
at home. And there are always the malls. It is fun to wander through
places I don’t usually visit.

Thought the summer can seem long, having a routine, staying busy,
and trying new things can help make it fun and memorable, despite the

heat. Carol Ann

Recipe Corner

Cold Brew Iced Coffee
~ It's all about the bean and the process ~

To make the concentrate:

Choose a dark roast and grind your beans just til they are coarse.
You want flakes. For every 6 ounces of water you want 3
tablespoons of coffee. Mix water and coffee in a large non reactive
container, such as a glass Pyrex bowl with a cover. Let it steep at
room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the desired
strength. Double strain it using a fine mesh strainer and a cheese
cloth. Don’t have a cheese cloth? Use a paper towel instead, but
you may have to switch it out a few times. Once it’s strained of all
sediment pour liquid into a carafe and place it in the fridge. It’ll last
up to 10 days.

To make the perfect iced vanilla latte:
1/3 coffee concentrate
1/3 milk of choice
Ice
cap full of simple syrup

Or mix yourself a glass however you like! Some great options are
with vanilla soy, skim milk, while milk, almond milk, and for
sweetening, simple syrup, vanilla syrup, or sweetened condensed
milk. The combinations are endless!

A great tip: freeze extra milk or leftover coffee to make milk and coffee
cubes to use, keeps your iced coffee cold and won’t dilute it!

What's up, Whatsapp!

For the past year our neighborhood
coordinators have helped new members
connect. A big thank you for all their hard

work! We have been finding ways to
connect more easily and faster. We have a

Facebook group but are now starting a
Whatsapp broadcast. If you would like to be
alerted about our events on your mobile via
Whatsapp please text our communications

director, Samala at 055 954 0841.

Save the Date!

For more information, please go to the website: www.gitabellin.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

Last year we asked MPSN members what some of their favorite places were around Abu Dhabi.
These included grocery stores, dry cleaning, cleaning companies, and other services. Though
they are often changing, most are neighborhood cornerstones and have become indispensable
while living in the UAE. Each issue we will add to this growing list of resources.

Cleaning companies A/C Maintenance 

Delight Cleaning Service Brooklyn General Maintenance
800 34 36 or 02 690 2800 055 289 8528
www.delightifm.com [email protected]
Brooklyngm.com
Odd Jobs UAE
02 582 6638 Envida
oddjobsuae.com 050 817 7829
[email protected]
Solutions Hygiene www.envida.ae
600 56 56 96
[email protected] Hydrogulf
www.solutionshygiene.com 800 49376
[email protected]
SMS Hydrogulf.com
04 258 2425
Smsmaids.com
www.cobrafitnessuae.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

fitness gyms and studios sports clubs

Bodytree Studio City Football Schools
For pilates, yoga, barre, dance and kid’s Football training for boys and girls
classes. starting from 3 years of age.
www.bodytreestudio.com Locations Zayed Sports City, New York
University Abu Dhabi, and Emirates
Fitness First Al Seef Mall – Ladies only Palace. www.cityfootballschools.com
There are multiple Fitness First locations, but
this one is ladies only. Abu Dhabi Harlequins
uae.fitnessfirstme.com/find-a-fitness-club/abu- Rugby club at Zayed Sports City.
dhabi/al-seef-mall www.abudhabiquins.com

Haddins Fitness Center Al Forsan Club
Reach, maintain and exceed all your fitness A variety of activites, from watersports to
goals, located at Zayed Sports City. paintball and shooting.
www.facebook.com/haddins www.alforsan.com

Inspire Sports not sure where
A variety of dance and fitness classes to begin?  try:
including hip hop and ballet.
inspiresports.ae • Zumba with Hania at Inspire Sports.

Layaqa • BTB Bodytree Body classes at their
Gym at CCAD, offering classes and personal main studio and Saadiyat Beach Club.
training.
www.vfuae.com/team/layaqa • Haddins Primal at Zayed Sports city.

Cobra Fitness • The Formula 1 track at Yas Marina
Group classes, including martial arts, for men, Circuit is open on Tuesday nights!
women, and children. Bring your bikes, or come for a walk or
www.cobrafitnessuae.com jog with the family.

The Studio
A new yoga and pilates studio.
thestudiouae.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

playgrounds and parks

Umm Al Emarat Park Nurseries
This spacious park features a shade house, botanic
garden, amphitheater & large open lawn. The Redwood Montessori Nursery
Age group: All ages Multiple locations
Entrance fee: 5 dhs www.theredwoodnursery.com
Open daily 8 am - 12 am
www.ummalemaratpark.ae Oxford Nursery
Khalifa City
BOUNCE www.oxfordnursery.ae
A trampoline park at Marina Mall.
Age group: 3 years and up International Montessori School
Entrance fee: 80 dhs Between Bridges
Open Sat to Wed, 10 am - 10 pm; www.imn.ae
Thursday and Friday 10 am to 12 am
bounce.ae/abudhabi

Murjan Splash Park at Khalifa City Park Stepping Stones
Age group: all ages Multiple locations
Entrance fee: 45 dhs, under 1 meter height free www.steppingstones.ae
Open daily 11 am to 6 pm.

murjansplashpark.weebly.com Children's classes

Corniche Family Park Abu Dhabi Country Club - www.adcountryclub.com
Age group: all ages

Entrance fee: 10 dhs *Inspire Sports - www.inspiresports.ae
Open 24 hours

Adventure HQ Little Stars Sports Clubs - www.littlestarsabudhabi.com
Ropes course and wall climbing *The Royal Stables for horse riding - 02 445 5500
at Yas Mall *Advantage Sports UAE - www.advantagesportsuae.com
Age group: 4 years and up *Jump Sports Academies - www.jumpsports.ae
Entrance fee: starting at 65 dhs *Fourth Lane Swim Academy - www.4lsacademy.com
Open Sat to Wed, 10 am - 10 pm;
Thursday and Friday 10 am to 12 am
www.adventurezone.ae

*Neptune Swimming - Info@neptuneswim. com

* indicates that there are classes and activities for teenagers as well
as younger children.

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

Organic Markets Fruits and Vegetable

Ripe Markets Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk
Find seasonal, organic and local produce at weekly Numerous stalls selling fruits, vegetables,
markets at Umm al Emarat Park. and dates. Open daily 7 am to 12pm
Every Saturday starting October 28th, 3pm to 9pm
www.ripeme.com The Market at Mushrif Mall
Located in the basement of Mushrif mall,
Ripe Pop-up Markets stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables are
Jones the Grocer, Al Raha Gardens available. Open daily 9 am to 12 am
Every Monday, 10 am to 1 pm
The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island Fresh Fish
Every Friday 10 am to 3 pm
www.ripeme.com Mina Fish Market
Fresh fish is brought here daily. Located near
Al Rahba Organic Farm 182 (IRG Organic Farm) Dhow Harbour. Open daily 8 am to 11 pm
Pick your own organic vegetables.
November to May, every Saturday 6 am to 5 pm The Market, at Mushrif Mall
Bring your own bags. Cash only. Chickens and turkeys An extensive indoor fish market, with live fish
available with one week prior notice, call 02 641 6500. tanks. Open daily 9 am to 12 am

Yas Farm Butcher Shops
Organic chickens, turkeys, ducks, along with raw goat and
camel milk available. The Market, at Mushrif Mall
Open daily 9am to 9pm A wide array of cuts of meat, all in one
Delivery to Abu Dhabi costs Dhs 25, Please order three location. Open daily 9 am - 12 am
days in advance, call 055 973 3337.
Luqman Butcher
Mawasim Organic Market Part of the Al Mina Port Market. Call
Fridays, 2 pm to 8 pm on the ground Level of WTC Mall ahead for orders, 055 297 4541
Saturdays, 11 am to 3 pm Boutik Mall, in front of Waitrose. Open daily 8 am to 11pm

Farm Box Springbok Butchery
Have organic produce delivered to your door. Quality meats delivered right to your door.
farmbox.ae/about-us www.springbokbutchery.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

LAUNDRY SERVICES If you have any suggestions,
additions, corrections to the
Alessia Couture Dry Cleaners MPSN Members Recommend
www.alessiacouture.com
02 555 2088 - Specializing in high end and couture section, let us know at
garments, they will collect and deliver. Located in MPSNSecretary.com
Musaffah.
Every effort has been made to
Jeeves Dry Cleaning provide accurate and timely
www.jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk/stores.abu-dhabi information.  Dates and
02 666 3755 - Specializing in dry cleaning, laundering, timings are subject to change.
alterations, repairs, home furnishings, shoe repairs,
couture and handbag restoration. Collection and delivery
available. Located in Khalidiya.

Al Rafidain Laundry
www.rafidainlaundry.com
02 666 4313 - Commercial and personal dry cleaners.
Collection and delivery to most areas of Abu Dhabi.
Multiple locations.

The Laundry At Qaryat al Beri
02 558 1670 - Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Al Maqta.

White Cat Laundry
www.whitecatlaundry.com
050 925 5346 - Offering collection and delivery, there are
several branches.

The Mission Statement of MPSN is to connect and support CCAD
physician spouses and their families, offering a platform to engage in
organized activities, while welcoming new members. To contact the

MPSN, please email [email protected].

If you would like to be involved in the monthly newsletter, or have
comments, suggestions, events or recipes to post, please email

Samala at [email protected].