A Very Merry Christmas to all Readers! We will be back at the end of December to highlight some local Nyon events coming up in January 2020.

Burning Christmas Trees, Swimming in the Lake Party, Three Kings Parade through town. Free entry to museums, getting above the clouds near Nyon. It was a chilly morning in Nyon on the last day of the decade, there were obviously plenty of fires burning in houses in the old town judging by the smoke coming from the roof tops! Living in Nyon would like to wish all its readers a Happy New Year. We will be back in *2020 with more information about 1260! In the meantime, here are some events coming up in early January. Don't forget there is also a detailed agenda of local events in the "Sortir Sur La Côte" section in La Côte newspaper.  Lotos - you will see Lotos advertised taking place in villages and towns in January. Swiss loto is a kind of big communal bingo, and they are usually held in Salle Communales. Lots of groups and societies organise these to fundraise for their club. Why not head along to one to see this Swiss tradition (and play of course!) and help to contribute to local society? Free Entry to Museums There will be free entry to the three Museums of Nyon on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd January 2020. Opening times 14:00 - 17.00 Photo exhibition continues in Prangins The Swiss Press Photo exhibition continues at the Château de Prangins until the 23rd February.  See our previous article here about this great photo exhibition. Communal Burning of Christmas Trees After Christmas some communes organise a "Brûler de Sapins". This is where you can take along your Christmas tree to be burned on a big bonfire. It is carefully controlled by volunteer firefighters. There is usually mulled wine and snacks available to purchase on the day. There will be a tree burning event in Gland on the 8th January (behind the college of Grand-Champ). Currently the time advertised for this event is from 18:00-21:00 but best call 079 7425355 to be sure (last year the event was held during the day). Swimming in the lake 5th January The Fête des Baigneurs is now a permanent, fun fixture in the Nyon calendar. Hundreds of swimmers (usually in fancy dress) throw themselves into the lake near the Bains des 3 Jetées. They swim a short distance and then warm up by jumping into a communal hot tub with their fellow swimmers, and drink a glass of champagne! Anyone can take part if they are brave enough to do so! Registration usually required on the day. Meet at 13:00, the swim goes ahead at 14:00.  No further info currently on their website, keep checking! Three Kings Parade - 6th January - Family event Every year on the 6th January, there is a “Galette des Rois” parade through Nyon to celebrate Three Kings Day. The parade start outside La Combe shopping centre and follows the “Three Kings” through the top end of the old town in Nyon, finishing in the Place du Château. Children carry lanterns or candles, and the parade is accompanied by music of some kind. At the end of the parade, children and adults will find an enormous cake (the Galette des Rois), waiting for them in the castle square. This has been baked and donated by the bakers of the region and is then served up to members of the public.  It’s a fun thing to experience, but wrap up well! The parade starts at 18:30. Hot drinks are often available at the end of the parade!  Video below from 2019. Get above the Clouds If the cloud continues to hang low over Nyon and you want to get high above them, then the drive to the Col de Marchairuz only takes around 30 mins. Just this side of the col there is a small car park on the left, with the walk starting on the other side of the road.  Here you can sled or snow shoe, or simply walk on the path (boots required) for a few minutes to get a great view with lots of peaks visible in the distance. New Year's Eve Want to travel further afield than Nyon to celebrate New Year's Eve? In Lausanne, lots of people gather near the base of the cathedral to watch the tower "set alight" at midnight , this is a fun event. Lausanne currently has some great light installations this year. In Geneva there will be a party and fireworks above the lake. *We will be back approximately the third week of January 2020.

An eclectic mix of events for readers. Sat 1st February- Fondue Meet-Up Event On Saturday 1st February there will be a Meet-Up event organised by the  Nyon Wine Lovers (Women Only) group at 19:00 at  Chez Mon Oncle,  Rue de Rive in  Nyon. Contact Isabel the organiser to confirm your presence.  Special Offer from Nyon Tourism Nyon tourism is offering a Snowshoe and Fondue Package again this year for just CHF 35!  Details here. International Toastmasters Nyon - Public Speaking Group  Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Nyon has its own club and it meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in Nyon from 19:15 - 21:30. Details here  Music events coming up  Future dates for your diary  The full line up for Les Hivernales, Nyon's winter music festival (27th February - 1st March) 2020  is now on line .  More on this festival coming up on this site. Also, the programme for the Cully Jazz Festival (27th March- 4th April) is now out. The festival is not exactly in the Nyon area, but it is in such a stunning setting (in a wine village near the lake), it is definitely worth a mention!   Sunday 2nd February - Rolle -  Gospel and Jazz The Denen's Gospel choir, and musicians from the Pax Jazz band, will team up for a concert at the Temple in Rolle at 17:00 . Free entry, hat passed round at the end of the concert. Monday 3rd February - Nyon - Monday Movie in English  T he Monday Movie in English at Nyon Capitole Cinema at 20:30 will be "The Two Popes" starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. See trailer below. Sat 8th February - Nyon  Singer/Songwriter - John Craigie John Craigie from the U.S  will be performing at La Parenthèse  in Nyon on the 8th February.

A new temporary exhibition opens at the Château of Nyon , today the 14th February 2020 entitled "100 Reliures d'Art". The exhibition features the art of bookbinding in its multiple forms and continues until the 4th April. The museum is open from November to March, Tuesday to Sunday, from 14:00. to 17:00 p.m. and from April to October, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed Mondays except on public holidays. The Château of Prangins is now offering  specific activities in English at the museum, and also in its historic kitchen garden. Details in flyer below or link here

https://www.knowitall.ch/ The Know-it-all Passport is an English-language guidebook and online community resource covering Geneva, Vaud and adjacent regions.

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Nyon's 47th  Paléo Festival, is more than just a music event—it’s a vibrant coming together of genres, rhythms, and cultures. Doors open at 15:30 and as the sun sets behind the Jura Mountains, the festival grounds come alive with beats that resonate across generations. This year, from July 23rd to July 28th, Paléo promises an eclectic mix of over 200 artists, captivating audiences with a musical journey like no other. Musical Line-Up This year’s lineup reads like a musical adventure story, featuring stars from various genres: Burna Boy:  The Nigerian superstar will bring his afro-fusion magic to the stage. Expect infectious rhythms and powerful lyrics. Patti Smith:  The iconic punk poet graces Paléo with her rock anthems. Classics like “Because the Night” and “Gloria” are set to ignite the audience's spirit. Nile Rodgers & CHIC:  Prepare to groove as the legendary Nile Rodgers, master of the funky guitar riff, teams up with CHIC. Expect hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” Sam Smith:  The soulful singer will serenade the crowd with heartfelt ballads with his powerful voice. Sean Paul:  Dancehall enthusiasts will be thrilled with Sean Paul's high-energy performance, bringing his signature sound and charismatic stage presence. Royal Blood:  The English rock duo promises a powerful performance with their gritty, hard-hitting sound. Khruangbin:  Known for their unique blend of surf rock and psychedelic influences, Khruangbin will offer an unforgettable musical experience. A night for French Rap with  IAM   followed by two forces coming together in Gazo & Tiakola For the full schedule, download it here. Village du Monde Region 2024 Beyond the Beats Village du Monde:  This year, the spotlight is on the Balkans, the rich region of South Eastern Europe. Discover traditional crafts, savour Balkan delicacies, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. La Ruche:  Celebrating its 15th anniversary, La Ruche will feature street and circus arts and 20 shows with a program focused on the theme of “Generations." The  HES-SO  project focuses on the theme "Paradox" and involves over a hundred students. It's Face Nord stage will feature emerging artists and also host numerous stalls designed to foster critical thinking and engagement with innovative ideas. Paléo festival is also made up of 250 food stalls, 8,500 campsite spots, and 5,400 volunteers, making it a strong community gathering. HES-SO structure Sustainability and Social Commitment Nearly 50% of Paléo's carbon footprint is linked to the mobility of their festival-goers. 1 in 2 use either the following to get to the festival; cycling, walking and public transport. Paléo continues to build on their transport offering. The Trelex depot train stop will be the transit station for people coming from St-Cergue/La Cure, and it will also be the only departure point for night trains in this direction. Train travel on the NStCM line is free for festival ticket holders. In total, 7 free bus routes will cover the Nyon district. This year, Paléo introduces 100,000 returnable plates to reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. Paléo also supports three charities: Handicap International Switzerland, La Garenne Zoo, and Cantonal de Zurich School, aiming to educate audiences on environmental protection and support socio-cultural activities in the Nyon district. Paléo App Avoid Ticket Fraud in Festival Week. Many people find they can no longer attend certain evenings they have tickets for, while others are seeking last-minute tickets for themselves or an extra one for a visiting family member. Stay vigilant against the growing number of fake tickets circulating online. This week, a lot of ticket buying and selling occurs on social media, making it essential to be cautious and ensure you are purchasing from a legitimate source. To avoid scams: Never purchase tickets from strangers. Check availability and actual ticket prices. Transfer tickets using the Official Paléo App . Report visibly fraudulent ads. If scammed, report it to the Federation Romande des Consommateurs (FRC) and lodge a complaint. Paléo offers more than just music; it's an immersive journey filled with unforgettable experiences. So, get your wristband, embrace the festival spirit, and let the vibrant energy of Paléo sweep you away.

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Meet Helen von Dadelszen, a vocal and performance coach, the orchestrator of transformation, and host of the upcoming event Elevate Your Presence . Helen opens up about why she became a vocal coach, the essence of her business Present Potential , and the excitement building around her event on Thursday 1st February at the Théâtre de Marens in Nyon. Stage Beginnings Performance isn't just Helen's profession; it feels like her New Zealand birthright. As one of five children born into a family deeply rooted in the arts, Helen's journey began long before her own birth. Her mother, a singer and performer, graced the stage even when heavily pregnant, setting the stage for a life infused with the magic of the performing arts. "Performance has always been part of my life," Helen shares, reminiscing about the early days of playing instruments, engaging in theatre, singing, and dancing. "Some families do sports. We did theatre. I love the theatre. Supporting it, rehearsing for the next show, just everything that comes with it." While university life in New Zealand temporarily put this passion aside, it resurfaced after she moved to Geneva and joined a choir; not realising then, how it would lead her to a path of performance coaching and empowerment. Starting Present Potential Whilst Helen is herself confident on stage, her true passion lies in elevating others.  This calling emerged from her experience in the NGO world, where she witnessed a disheartening trend during international conferences. Life changing work and research on vital issues like HIV were being let down by uninspiring and unclear presentations time and time again. She realized the need for a shift. "It made me angry that we were spending money, time and effort in supporting this really important work and not getting the funding or support needed because their presentation skills were letting them down," she remarks. Helen started her company Present Potential as a response to what she saw as a need for effective communication as well as giving her clients the tools to reach their speaking goals. It was about recognizing the potential in everyone.  "I don't think we should all sound the same. It's about your unique style and what suits your audience." Her approach rejects the idea of a one-size-fits-all method, aiming instead to elevate the natural, individual communication style of each person. A Holistic Approach Present Potential's offerings extend beyond traditional coaching platforms. Helen's focus is on 1:1 coaching over three to six months, tailoring sessions to specific goals, be it managing nerves, improving communication skills, or boosting confidence. "We can look at a staff meeting that's coming up next week where they want to give an update on their project. Or a big presentation for some funding they are seeking. We would look at that together. Who's in the room? What message do you want them to receive or what do you want them to think?" she explains. Not only is it about enhancing your skill set but also taking the time to delve into what it is that might be blocking you from speaking up. "Managing nerves often comes from what's going on internally, what the little voice is telling you, but also in terms of what other people are going to think of you. We make up a lot of things in our head that are not necessarily true." Helen's Superpower Helen's superpower lies in her ability to see the untapped potential in people and guide them toward fulfilling it. In an approachable and informal way, you will quickly find she becomes your biggest cheerleader who will help you navigate, what can be a very daunting experience for most people. "We're living in an age now where it's almost expected of us to be putting ourselves out there, performing almost, in presentations or videos or on social media," she notes, emphasizing the need for support even for those not struggling with nerves. Her advice is clear: "The only way to do it is to do it. It's not going to be perfect. I don't believe in perfection anyway." Elevate Your Presence Event This carries over to her upcoming event Elevate Your Presence. It is a manifestation of Helen's belief that everyone deserves the exhilarating experience of standing on a big stage! One particular memory came to mind to explain some of the motivation behind the idea. An encounter in Montreal where she grabbed an opportunity to coach a nurse consultant on a stage at a conference during a break. "I asked her to do a few lines of a TED talk she'd done a few months ago and I live coached her then and there. We did it for maybe five minutes. No audience, just on a stage with lights. And she said it was an absolutely transformative experience for her," Helen shares with joy. The event aims to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to feel the fear of being on a big stage but to re-frame that fear as excitement. "I always say nerves are just the flip side of excitement. I get nervous. I feel the butterflies, sweaty palms, racing heart. But you tell yourself you're excited and it just flips the switch on that. Then it means  you're ready... you're alive!" Attendees will have the chance to stand on the theatre stage, be cheered on by a supportive audience, and receive live coaching to enhance their speaking and overall presence. "Not many people get the opportunity to ever stand on a big stage, speak on the microphone and have the applause. It’s something that a lot of people are scared of and don't think it's for them. And coming from a performance background I believe anyone can do it!" Register Join Helen as she extends an invitation to everyone willing to embark on a journey of self-discovery and confidence-building. "All of us can get on those stages. It's just our selves telling us we can't and society telling us we can't, but we all can," she passionately declares. Not just an event, but a fully immersive experience. It will be a celebration of individuality and a journey towards confident self-expression. Event Details Date: Thursday 1st February 2024 Time: 18:30 - 19:30 Location: Marens Theatre, Nyon Registration: Event Registration Link BONUS: Everyone who gets on stage will receive the chance to win a one-to-one power hour with Helen worth 220CHF. In the world Helen creates, every individual is a potential star, waiting for their moment to shine. Discover the power that unfolds when you step into the spotlight with confidence.

Brush up on your French and meet fellow expats at Prêt a Parler’s Christmas event Are you  Prêt a Parler  French? This company makes learning the language more fun! They offer a variety of different options to learn French and help people pass the FIDE and prepare for the Swiss naturalisation process too. In 2024, they will we will offer face-to-face group lessons in their new learning space in Nyon! you can come and discover this up-and-coming learning location in the La Côte area. Join the end of year event On Thursday 7th of December between 18:00 and 20:00 they are hosting “Les fêtes de fin d’année 2023” with CEO Isabelle! Brush up on your French, meet fellow expats, and most importantly, have fun! Wine, festive nibbles and great prizes to win throughout the evening. 6-8 pm, at Elite Conduite, behind Piscine du Cossy 🤩 You can register here to RSVP: it’s free! Registration ends tonight!

Most schools went back this week after the summer break even in this immense heatwave we are experiencing. It seems to be coming to a head this weekend and there are always things happening in the area. Why not venture out in the cooler temperatures to the Brocante this weekend at the Rive in Nyon? There is also open-air screenings at the Château de Prangins. It is also the Fête des Pirates. From Friday August 25 to Sunday August 27, the traditional Fête des Pirates de Rive will take place around the eastern cove of the port of Nyon. On this occasion, various food and drink stands are planned as well as free entertainment for all audiences. Among these, jazz concerts and walks on the Nyolue, the pirate ship.  Friday, August 25 -  5 pm to midnight Saturday August 26 -  11 am to midnight Sunday August 27 -  11 am to 8 pm Open-air cinema The Château de Prangins is showing the Stanley Kubrik movie  Barry Lyndon on Saturday 26th August: 20:45 – 23:45. Admission is free. In the 18th  century , a young Irishman fleeing justice joins the British army before deserting and chasing glory in European courts. Adapted from Memoirs of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray and filmed by candlelight alone and in natural settings, this film is a real epic through the Europe of the Enlightenment, masterfully directed by Stanley Kubrick. 20:30 Doors open 20:45 Screening in the courtyard of the castle preceded by an introduction to the film Click here for more details.   A heads up for next Saturday 2nd September, , the Borex, Development Company is celebrating 50 years in Borex. It promises to be a fun day out. Click here for more details. Programme: From 10 a.m. Garage sale From 11 a.m. presence of Nyon firefighters with rescue demonstration and period truck From 11am presence of old police motorcycles From 11 a.m. skate park open to all with demonstration by amateurs and professionals from Nyon From 2 p.m. make-up and various games for children From 5 p.m. Balloon flight 6:00 p.m. Fanfare Bar and food truck all day

For most of us summertime means holidays and this is the same for our medical professionals too. But what happens when an unexpected medical issue comes up that we would normally see our doctor for? We do really need someone to take a look at us or our children but it's also not as urgent for us to make a visit to Urgences at Nyon Hospital if we can help it. The answer lies in the CMC Nyon - The Medical and Surgical Clinic. Located next to the post office and just behind the train station. Head up to the 3rd floor, with or without calling ahead for an appointment and the receptionist will take your details (don't forget your insurance card). Once there, you will be taken in for an initial assessment and then wait for the doctor to see you. I popped in last week at around 16:00 for a last minute issue that needed some attention. I tried to get an appointment with my doctor but they were on holiday and I did not think it was serious enough to go up to the hospital to wait in emergency for hours. The receptionist suggested I try the clinic so I headed there instead and I was in and out within an hour and a half with a prescription in hand and some peace of mind. CMC Nyon - 9 Rue de la Morâche, Nyon. Monday - Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Weekend and Public Holidays - 10:00 - 17:00 You can also make an appointment with one of their consultants ranging from Pediatrics to Endocrine Surgery from Monday - Friday all year round. See their website for full details.