ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Tomorrow is the first day of May which also marks the beginning of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APA).

For those of us who are of Asian descent, Asian Pacific Heritage Month should remind us how important it is to reflect on our history and to get involved in our community. For others who are of other ethnicities, festivities and events during this month provide opportunities to learn about our history and culture.

A huge event in the NYC area that celebrates our culture is the CAPA Festival. Throughout the day, there will be loads of entertainmentt to highlight Asian Pacific Culture. These things include Martial Arts demonstrations, Arts & Crafts tables, a Children's Program, a Theme Exhibit, a Performance Stage, a Mini-Film Festival.

If you're interested in getting involved in the Asian community, CAPA is a great event to attend. There will be information booths for various volunteer organizations. I will be at the Project by Project volunteer table, so come say "hi" to me! =) For more information on volunteer opportunities for PBP: www.projectbyproject.org.

This event takes place in Union Square Park. For more information www.capaonline.org

Other organizations to check out that are holding events are :
* The Asia Society
* The China Institute
* The Korea Society
* The Japan Society
* The Museum of the Chinese in the Americas

And of course, one of the most convenient ways to connect to the Asian community is to come to Chinatown. You can do this not only during APA month, but any other day of the year. Chinatown is so rich in culture with our museums, food, shopping and ICE CREAM!

NYU's Hong Kong Association

One of my kids, Jamie Zhen (AKA JZ) is going to be in a breakdance routine in NYU's HK Night tommorrow. It's going to take place at Kimmel Center E&L Auditorium, 4th Floor. It's only $10 for admission & $7 for NYU students. Now, I call that a great deal for anything in NYC.

There's going to be drama, dancing, raffle prizes, games & a live band performance. Sounds like a blast for those of you who haven't already made plans for tommorrow night.

I would 110 percent be there, but my sister's graduating from UMICH so I'll be out of state. I will be there in spirit.

For more information: http://www.nyu.edu/clubs/hksa/files/sensations2k7_playbill.pdf


Momma Chris loves you JZ!

GLASSES AND CONTACTS

I finally got my first pair of real glasses. I was actually surprised to find out that many of the opticals in Chinatown actually do accept insurance such as GHI.

I hear that the opticals down here have some of the best prices in the city and will get you in and out with the quickness. This goes in line with my theory that Chinatown offers the best prices for almost all goods.

I went to Mott Street Optical (located at the corner of Mott and Bayard). They actually have quite a selection of frames and brands. The optometrist that works there was very friendly and helpful. She recommended that I get a pair of reading glasses which has really opened up a new world of vision to me.

Because I am hoping to attract some smart boys who like smart girls; I grabbed the nerdiest frames I could find. So in the end, I wound up with a pair of Prada frames with the lenses and an eye exam for $245 (with my GHI).

TASTE OF CHINATOWN-APRIL 21, 2007

This event was created as part of the Explore Chinatown Campaign (www.explorechinatown.com). Taste of Chinatown offers both $1 and $2 sampling plates from participating restaurants. Different cuisines include Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean, Thai, Japanese, Asian Fusion, & more.

This year, the event will also be offering different types of cultural entertainment, such a lion dancing and Japanese Taiko drum playing. There will also be a fortune cookie writing contest.

Please keep in mind that most of these restaurants do not make a profit off of giving their tastes. This is a promotional event for the Chinatown community, so please keep in mind that the same customer etiquette pertains to this tasting event as any other day.

Although CICF does not participate in the Taste of Chinatown, we do consider it to be one of the greatest events of the year. It exposes people to what our community is about and it helps bring in interest and tourism to Chinatown.

Many thanks to all the people who have worked on Taste of Chinatown! =)