magazine
asian avenue January 2016 Volume 11 Issue 1
Connecting Cultures Linking Lives
2016
L unar New Year YEAR OF THE MONKEY
DENVER
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2016 ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE
LUNAR NEW YEAR DINNER
FRIDAY
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Dear Asian Avenue readers, I recently came across the statistic that only 45% of Americans “usually” make New Year’s resolutions and 38% “absolutely never” do. This may be because by February, many of us lose our initial resolute determination. The most common resolutions tend to be losing weight and getting fit, spending less and saving more, and enjoying life to the fullest. These are all great goals, whether or not we make them for the new year. Tom Shieh offers fantastic advice on how to follow through on resolutions by changing our attitudes and focusing on the “be-dohave” principle. Great insight for 2016! We encourage you to stop by the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple on Saturday, Jan. 30 to watch the annual Kohaku Uta Gassen Japanese singing contest. In its 41st year, this event features a men’s team versus a women’s team competing with their spectacular vocal talent. Attend Denver’s very own Japanese-American version of “The Voice” and learn more about the traditional music of Japanese Enka singing. 2016 marks the beginning of the eleventh volume of Asian Avenue. Wow, can you believe it? We hope your year is off to a wonderful start, and we invite you to celebrate Lunar New Year with us on Friday, Feb. 5 at Kings Land Seafood Restaurant in Denver. Please join us for a tencourse Chinese feast, lion dance performance by Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Cultural Troupe, and a silent auction. Our lunar new year banquet is our largest annual fundraising event. We hope you can support the magazine and have fun ringing in the new year (again)! The year of the monkey begins on Feb. 8, 2016. This year is ideal for a quantum leap in your life! According to the Chinese zodiac, now is the time to shake things up, create change, and innovate a new path. Join the monkey’s enthusiast energy when risks are rewarded and anything can happen. Even the most ambitious plans can succeed. Read more about your animal’s specific Chinese zodiac predictions for the monkey year. Wishing you all the best in 2016! Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine
asian avenue magazine
staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Editorial and Marketing Manager: Sarah Shirazi Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Graphic Designer/Photographer: Anastasia Yagolnik Copy Editor: Jaime Marston Cook Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Marketing Coordinator: Mai Choua Lee Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Akemi Tsutsui
advisors group General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida
contributing writers Tom Shieh
contributing photographers Seiji Tanaka, Richard Yoshida
on the cover The staff at Asian Avenue magazine would like to wish you a happy new year! May the year of the monkey bring you and your families good health and prosperity. And may the force be with you!
subscriptions To subscribe, e-mail asianavemag@gmail.com. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping/handling included.
advertising Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavenuemagazine.com for our media kit and ad rates.
editorial 40
To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail editor@asianavenuemagazine.com. Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.
Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
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January 2016 | President’s Note
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contents
Book Review Pioneer Girl is a deeply felt novel about family myths and legacies, and the pioneering spirit shared by immigrants and early American migrants. This novel draws profound conclusions about American identity. Author Bich Minh Nguyen has been called a “gifted storyteller” and an author to watch for.
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Event Calendar
SPECIAL
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Do you believe in the Chinese zodiac? See what the 2016 Year of the Monkey has in store for you!
CHEF’S MENU
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This new year, learn how to make Glutinous Sweet Rice Balls or Tang Yuan, which are traditional Chinese desserts usually served at festivals or Chinese New Year.
Feature - Lion Dance Troupes Colorado is lucky to have its own community of dragon and lion dance troupes. The lion dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other Chinese traditional, cultural and religious festivals. Organizations started based on virtues of discipline, to teach martial arts and to keep the cultural significance alive.
Cover Story - Lunar New Year Whimsical lion dances, cash-filled vibrant red envelopes and piles of mouth-watering eats will be all around us next month as we celebrate Chinese and Lunar New Year. The Year of the Monkey begins on Feb. 8, 2016. Read about the cultural traditions and the celebrations that will take place throughout Colorado.
ADVICE COLUMN
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EVENTS
Restaurant Peek If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant with modern hints similar to one you might find in Tokyo or New York, look no further than Denver’s Aoba Sushi. Aoba’s dishes are prepared using experienced and skilled Japanese techniques with ingredients from land and sea.
HEALTH
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CAHEP provides culturally competent women’s preventive screenings and enrollment services. Our contributing columnist Tom Shieh shares a new way to look at New Year’s resolutions that may result in higher chances for success.
ON SCENE
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Colorado’s Hmong community celebrates its annual Hmong New Year at Adams County Fairgrounds.
Blossom of Lights shine at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
NAAAP Colorado hosts fundraiser featuring Hong Kong style French Toast.
Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc.
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January 2016 | Table of Contents
CULTURE It’s a battle of the sexes at the annual Kohaku Uta Gassen Japanese singing contest on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple. A team of men versus a team of women will compete by performing Japanese songs including the reknown form of Enka singing.
P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488
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events upcoming Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) Business After Hours Wednesday, Jan. 20, 6pm to 7:30pm
Jing Restaurant | 5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Cost: Free For more info or to RSVP, visit www.acccolorado.org.
Reinvigorate your business connections in 2016, and kick off your networking with the Asian Chamber of Commerce at Jing Restaurant in the Denver Tech Center. Jing is a lavish restaurant serving pan-Asian cuisine and is located in the Village Shops at the Landmark. The event is hosted by The Hamilton Group at Morgan Stanley.
Join Asian Avenue magazine, in partnership with Bubu Lowry for Asian Avenue Eats on Jan. 21. Mingle with new people, eat delicious food at Bubu Lowry. The three-course tasting menu highlights include: pork spring rolls, chicken pot stickers, brussel sprouts, pork ramen, lemon thyme chicken with fingerling potatoes and red curry, and beef Korean style bibimbob with tag twist! Also enjoy your choice of hot sake, or a cocktail: Krazy Korean or Ice me down. Don’t miss out on this appetizing experience.
2016 Nathan Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala Saturday, Jan. 30, 5pm to 10pm
Double Tree Hilton Stapleton Hyatt Regency DTC 7800 E. Tufts Avenue, Denver, CO 80237 Cost: $225 per person | $100 per young professional (35 and under) Tickets at: www.nathanyipfoundation.org.
Mochitsuki Rice Pounding Event Saturday, Jan. 23, 10am to 12:30pm
Asian Avenue Eats
Colorado College’s Worner Student Center (NW Corner, Cascade & Cache La Poudre) Cost: Free For more info, visit www.japanamerica.org.
Bubu Lowry 7559 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230 Cost: $30 per person Tickets at: www.asianavemag.ticketleap.com/bubu.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free new year’s event of the Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado. Pound Japanese mochi and taste them for longevity and prosperity in the New Year! Children
Thursday, Jan. 21, 6pm to 8pm
are welcome. This is a fun, free and tasty event open to the public.
FREE BUFFET and 5,000 Fan CLUB POInTS ®
All new members at the Isle Black Hawk Casino will receive the following benefits:
The Nathan Yip Foundation’s Chinese New Year Gala attracts hundreds of supporters who enjoy Denver’s most authentic Chinese New Year Celebration. The gala is also a time to reflect on the work of the foundation and celebrate the many projects that are underway that support vulnerable youth in Colorado and around the world. This year’s event features Chinese piano prodigy Simon Su, a traditional lion dance, a fine dinner, and live and silent auctions.
Asian Avenue magazine Lunar New Year Dinner - Year of the Monkey Friday, Feb. 5, 6pm to 9pm
Kings Land Chinese Seafood 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #44, Denver, CO 80223 Cost: $40 General | $30 Student/Senior For more info or tickets, visit www.asianavemag.ticketleap.com/monkey.
®
Receive a free buffet the day you enroll after playing 30 minutes. Plus, receive 5,000 Fan Club points when you give us your email address. Valid for new members only. Buffet offer valid up to 30 days from enrollment. Email address must be given at time of enrollment.
You are invited to celebrate the lunar new year with Asian Avenue magazine! Enjoy a 10-course Chinese dinner and a dragon and lion dance by the Qing Wei Lion and Dragon Cultural Troupe. There will also be a silent auction and raffle with many goodies to take home for the new year. All proceeds will benefit Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
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Upcoming Events | asian avenue magazine
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Book Review Pioneer Girl
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By Bich Ming Nguyen
Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz Pioneer Girl is a deeply felt novel about family myths and legacies, and the pioneering spirit shared by immigrants and early American migrants. Author Bich Minh Nguyen (pronounced Bit Min Newwin) has been called a “gifted storyteller” by some of the most prominent magazines. As the author to watch, Pioneer Girl becomes the third book in her repertoire. Her first memoir, Stealing Buddha’s Dinner and award-winning debut novel, Short Girls, resonated with critics and readers alike for their honest portrayal of immigrant life and cultural assimilation. The story begins with fictional character Lee Lien, who has just earned her PhD in American Literature and has no idea what she’s going to do next in her future. With no prospects for a job, she moves home to the Chicago suburbs and starts working with her mother and grandfather at their family-owned café. Before long, Lee is butting heads with her over-bearing mother and wonders how she’ll break away. When her older brother shows up, only to disappear again, he leaves behind an object from their mother’s past in Vietnam that stirs up a forgotten childhood dream: a gold-leaf brooch, left behind at her grandfather’s original café in Saigon by an American reporter in 1965. When Lee investigates the origins of the pin, she realizes the reporter must have been Rose Wilder, daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie series, made famous by a long-running television series. Convinced that the pin could link her family to one of America’s most famous pioneering legacies, Lee begins a search that will unearth more than she expected. Lee’s search through dusty library archives and Laura Ingalls Wilder museums uncovers a surprising truth about the origins of the Little House books. As Lee becomes consumed with this literary mystery, her investigation reveals dramatic insights that gives her the courage to embark on the new phase of her life. Pioneer Girl is a moving tale of mothers and daughters, lingering family secrets, and physical and metaphorical frontiers. This beautiful novel pays homage to a time-tested classic and draws profound conclusions about American identity.
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January 2016 | Book Review
Book Title: Pioneer Girl Author: Bich Minh Nguyen
Pages: 304 Publisher: Penguin Group ISBN: 9780670025091 Online: www.bichminhnguyen.com
About the author Bich Minh Nguyen, also known as Beth, teaches literature and creative writing in San Francisco, where she lives with her husband and two children. Among her honors are a PEN/Jerard Fund Award and An American Book Award. Her work has appeared in publications including the Found Magazine Anthology and The New York Times.
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Celebrating
years
Thank you, Colorado.
Roaring Roaring Lion Lion Dance Dance A
traditional aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations is the lion dance, a traditional dance in Chinese culture and other Asian countries in which performers mimic a lion’s movements in a lion costume. The lion dance is performed during the Chinese New Year, cultural and religious festivals, and important occasions such as business opening events, special celebrations or wedding ceremonies. Lion dance is gaining its reputation as an international sport with competitions in Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, and Colorado!
olorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe is a non-profit organization made up of dedicated volunteers, friends, students and young professionals from different ethnicities. Dedicated to promoting and introducing the sport and art of dragon and lion dance, health, wellness, and the Asian culture, the troupe’s mission is to improve the quality and performance of dragon and lion dance through excellence in training, education, competition, and recognition. The group strives to pass on the skills and knowledge to support members with physical conditioning, balance, focus, coordination, health, respect, and confidence as an individual in the sport of dragon and lion dancing. For more information, visit: www.cachcdragonlion.org or www.facebook.com/cachcdragonlion. Upcoming performances: • Jan. 17: Lone Tree Arts Center (Lone Tree) • Jan. 30: Asian Market (Colorado Springs) • Feb. 5: Lulu’s Bistro (Fort Collins) and Canton Palace (Loveland) • Feb. 6: A-Mart Supermarket (Denver) • Feb. 6: Pho Boulevard (Denver), Ameristar Casino (Black Hawk) • Feb. 7: Kings Land Restaurant and Viet’s Restaurant (Denver)
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ine Province Kung Fu originally started in Pahrump, Nevada, a small town just outside of Las Vegas. The group relocated to Grand Junction over a year ago. The Nine Province Kung Fu School primarily teaches Chinese Martial Arts. “It’s been a challenge to get people interested in lion dance,” says Sifu Glenn Bullock. “This area of Colorado [Grand Junction] is nothing like Denver. In Nevada, almost the entire school was involved in lion dance; we had three adults and three children lions and everyone loved it.” Bullock shares that “we keep trying though; we have a solid team, one in training, and a handful of musicians.” Upcoming performances: • Jan. 29: Kung Fu Panda 3 at Carmike Theater (Grand Junction) • Feb. 9: Chinese New Year Demo at Hilltop (Grand Junction) • June 18: Chinese Martial Arts Tournament at Central High School (Aurora)
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Learn more about four lion dance troupes in Colorado and find out where you can catch a performance.
“The purpose of the dragon and lion dance team is to preserve the culture and traditions of the Asian community, and to teach young Asian-Americans about their heritage. It is also a terrific way for nonAsian Americans to get to know and understand Asian culture better.”
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January 2016 | Feature
– Becky Luu, Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center
ce ce Troupes Troupes in in Colorado Colorado c
Upcoming performances: • Feb. 5: Asian Avenue Lunar New Year Dinner (Denver) • Feb. 6: Asian Pacific Development Center New Year and 35th Anniversary (Denver) • Feb. 12: Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) Asian Cultural Festival (Denver)
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By Sarah Shirazi
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haolin Hung Mei Kung Fu (SHMKF) is a 501c3 nonprofit association offering a comprehensive system of traditional martial practices intended to cultivate defense skills, health, character and spiritual development of its students. SHMKF has been performing traditional Chinese lion as well as dragon dance throughout its history, and in the U.S. since the mid-1970’s. The Colorado branch purchased its first lion in 1994 and first demonstrated its skills in February 1995. Over the years, SHMKF has been honored to have performed at a wide range of venues such as the Primrose Preschool for approximately a dozen four- and five- year olds to the area’s largest Chinese New Year celebration produced by the Denver Chinese School with over 2,500 in attendance. SHMKF performs for many of the area’s most notable ongoing events such as the Chinese New Year celebrations produced by Asian Pacific Association of Longmont, Chinese Students and Scholars Association at CU-Boulder, Chinese Cultural Institute of Colorado Springs, as well as the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. In addition, SHMKF has demonstrated at such highly regarded events as the Imperial Thombs Exhibit at Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Statewide Sister Cities Conference at the Capital Building, USTA photo exhibit at DIA, Millennium Chinese New Year Celebration at Paramount Theater, Democratic National Convention, and many others. At an average of approximately 50+ performances each year for the past 21 years, SHMKF has exposed greater than 500,000 people to the traditional and cultural practice of the Chinese Lion Dance. For more information, visit: www.shaolinhungmei.org. Upcoming performances: • Jan. 30: Nathan Yip Foundation Gala (Denver) • Feb. 6: Denver Chinese School (Denver) • Feb. 13: Bai Nian at 8 locations (Boulder) • Feb. 15: WOW Children’s Museum (Lafayette)
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olorado Qing Wei is a United States branch of Qing Wei Dragon & Lion Dance Cultural Troupe of Singapore led by Peter K Pham. The home branch is led by 22-year-old Leon Ng and together with a group of friends who love and share the same passion in Chinese traditional and cultural performing art of lion and dragon dance, registered and established the troupe in September 2011. Different from normal lion dances Jow gar used the Futhok Lion, which has a fiercer look with narrower eyes and curved mouth. Qing Wei follows the five Chinese Traditional Virtues of self-control, self-efficacy, regards, respect and kindness as the core principle of discipline and humble attitude as the basis of operation. With the Chinese traditional virtues and a humble attitude as the core value of the troupe, Qing Wei Lion, and Dragon Dance Troupe hope to further promote this traditional performing art as a form of sport, provide a platform for the youth of all races to learn, enjoy and appreciate the art, beauty and fun of lion and dragon dancing and create a positive impression of lion and dragon dance troupe by contributing back to the society through charitable work, bringing joy and offer aid to those most in need. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/QingweiUSA.
“In the past, the performance of the lion dance was meant to “chase away evil spirits” and to welcome health and prosperity. The demonstrations most often became the purview of schools of martial practices as the students were well trained in the physical attributes required to portray the lion as a true living and spirited creature. Moreover, the performances offered an opportunity for the Kung Fu practitioners to exhibit their martial skills.”
- Solow Shifu, Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Lion Dance Troupes | asian avenue magazine
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Soothing & Captivating HEAR MELODIES THAT CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF ANCIENT CHINA WHAT DO 5,000 years of civilization sound like? How can a melody capture the mystery of heavenly realms or the strength of an imperial army? Shen Yun’s orchestra has found the answer. Shen Yun’s unique approach blends the singular beauty and expressiveness of Chinese instruments with the grandeur of a Western orchestra. The result is a gorgeous and vivid sound with great emotional range—perfect for bringing to life the soul of an ancient civilization. It takes musical storytelling to a new level.
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One month away, Chinese New Year’s cultural significance comes from stories and traditions By Patricia Kaowthumrong Whimsical lion dances, cashfilled vibrant red envelopes and piles of mouth-watering eats are common trademarks of Chinese New Year. However, to many, Chinese New Year — or Lunar New Year — means so much more. Read on to learn more about different Lunar New Year traditions, how organizations in Colorado ring in the holiday and where you can join in this year.
The Fire Monkey Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 8, 2016, marking the year of the Fire Red Monkey, the Chinese zodiac sign characterized as clever, quick-witted, optimistic, adventurous and motivated. To some, the animal symbolizes creative energy, curiosity and trickery. Individuals born during the year of the monkey tend to be strong-minded and intelligent, but can be untrustworthy and childish. Famous monkeys include Leonardo da Vinci, Eleanor Roosevelt, Charles Dickens, Mel Gibson and Elizabeth Taylor. Chinese zodiac gurus predict that the year of the Fire Red Monkey will be a challenging year for tigers, snakes, boars and dogs, but very prosperous for rats, dragons and monkeys. Goats, rabbits and oxen will experience progress in different aspects of their lives, while roosters and horse can expect an exciting year filled with complex situations, according to the Astrology Club. Of course, your horoscope varies from source to source. Visit page 18 for your 2016 fortune.
Ancient History Also known as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year is tied to the lunar-solar Chinese calendar, which is why it falls on a different date annually between January 21 and February 20. The Lunar New Year has been celebrated for centuries all over Asia, particularly in communities with large Chinese populations; there’s even evidence that lunar calendar existed as early as 14th century B.C. Lunar New Year is a 15-day affair in China, where it remains the country’s most important holiday and culminates with the Lantern Festival on the last day. The Lantern Festival occurs on the first full moon of the lunar-solar calendar and involves the hanging of colorful paper lanterns. Originally a time to honor one’s ancestors as well as household and heavenly deities, observance of the holiday include rituals to banish bad luck and bring good luck for the coming year — traditions that continue to be followed by the Chinese and many other cultures.
2016 Lunar New Year | asian avenue magazine
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All villagers gather in the ancestor hall to worship the ancestors on the first day of the new year.
Examples of rituals include cleaning to rid of bad luck, ritual sacrifices of food and paper icons for gods and ancestors, and setting off firecrackers to frighten away evil spirits. Lion dance troupes are also invited to usher in the New Year and evict bad spirits. Additionally, elders give red envelopes filled with money to younger members of the family, and the front of homes are festooned with red decorations featuring symbols of wealth, happiness, longevity and good fortune.
Family Feasting Like Christmas, Lunar New Year involves oodles of mouth-watering food — but is ultimately an occasion for families of all cultures to gather for an annual reunion dinner, which typically takes place on the eve of the New Year (Feb. 7, 2016). “To me, the most important aspects of this holiday are about celebrating life: appreciating the people in our lives, sharing what we have with our family and friends and renewing our goals for
The elder of the house puts up auspicious couplets.
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January 2016 | Cover Story
the coming year,” says Jane Lim, Director of the Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver. Some traditional mainstays of the gigantic feast include noodles, consumed to ensure a long life (the longer the noodle, the luckier); a variety of meats, including chicken, pork and fish; and dumplings, which resemble pots of gold and symbolize wealth for the coming year. Leafy green veggies that look like cash, like leeks or Chinese broccoli, are
Families reunite for dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
A Korean family celebrates the Lunar New Year.
also commonly devoured for good luck. “Like many Chinese families, family reunion and gathering, abundant food and various entertainment and shows are the most common ways of celebrating the Chinese New Year in my family,” says HuiLiang Liu, founder and president of the Denver Chinese School. From the gifts exchanged to dishes incorporated in the fests, Lunar New Year traditions and activities are very symbolic. Common gifts include sweets and fruits, particularly oranges, which symbolize fortune. Fish Salad, Haircuts & More It is customary in Thai, Filipino, Cambodian, Vietnamese and many other Asian cultures to look your best for the Lunar New Year. Men and women have their hair cut and purchase new clothes and shoes prior to the big day (cutting your hair on New
Dragon and lion dancers perform in Manila, Philippines.
Year’s Day is considered very bad luck). Known as Tết in Vietnam, one Vietnamese Lunar New Year tradition involves the display of an artificial New Year tree or hoa mai. The tree often consists of a bouquet of thin tree branches or a large bamboo pole decorated with various objects, including origami fish and good luck charms. Delicious Vietnamese New Year foods include various kinds of rice cakes; pickled leeks, onions and cabbage; Vietnamese pork sausage (chả lụa) and sticky rice packed with a hearty bean or meat fillings and wrapped in green leaves (bánh chưng). Koreans, who celebrate the Lunar New Year for three days, perform an ancestral ritual called charye to honor deceased family members and sebeh, when children bow to their elders to wish them a happy new year. These rituals are often
Children say “happy new year” to grandparents to receive red envelopes.
performed in traditional Korean garb. Some tasty Korean New Year delights include jeon, a type of pancake, and tteokguk, soup with thinly sliced rice cakes. One unique dish served at Chinese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Singaporean Lunar New Year dinners is a raw fish salad called yee sang. The Cantonese dish consists of strips of raw fish, like salmon, shredded vegetables and other meaningful sauces and ingredients added one at a time. Think: crushed peanuts to bring gold and silver to your household, sesame seeds to help your business flourish and a squeeze of lime to bring luck to your life. As the ingredients are added to the salad, oil is poured in a circle over the dish to encourage money to flow in all directions, and attendees playfully toss the shredded ingredients with their chopsticks while saying auspicious wishes out loud.
Traditional Lunar New Year parades fill the streets in China.
2016 Lunar New Year | asian avenue magazine
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Happy New Year Where to Celebrate in Colorado
There are many places to ring in the Lunar New Year in Colorado. Here are a few noteworthy events.
Nathan Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala
Asian Pacific Development Center New Year and 35-Year Anniversary Celebration
Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, Jan. 30, 2016
This formal affair includes festivities like the good luck yee sang salad toss, Chinese lion dancing and the red envelope gifting. “New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture and is a time to gather together with family and friends,” says Maggie McCormick of the Denver-based Nathan Yip Foundation, an organization that works to transforms the lives of underserved children through educational programs. “The annual Nathan Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala has become the most important tradition for the Yip family, though we have a smaller gathering of family and friends at our home every year as well.” Nathan and Linda Yip founded the Nathan Yip Foundation in 2002 to honor their son Nathan, a philanthropic teen who lost his life in an automobile accident. For tickets ($225/person), visit nathanyipfoundation.org/ events or contact Maggie McCormick at 303-817-8400 or maggie@nathanyipfoundation.org.
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January 2016 | Cover Story
Denver ‘s Cable Center, Feb. 6, 2016
Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute’s 15th Annual Chinese New Year Festival
Colorado Springs City Auditorium, Jan. 30, 2016 Hosted by Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute (CSCCI), this intimate event includes teahouse activities, music and dancing from multiple Asian cultures, a Chinatown marketplace and much more. The CSCCI was founded in 2001 to foster an understanding and appreciation for China and Chinese customs in the community. The organization immerses community members in the culture through quarterly dinners at more than 70 local restaurants, martial arts classes, a speaker series, and Chinese language school. Tickets ($6/person) are available on the day of the event.
The Asian Pacific Development Center, a behavioral health clinic that serves Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, celebrates two milestones this February: 35 years of advancing the well-being of AAPI communities in Colorado and the year of the Fire Red Monkey. Highlights of monumental event will include performances by Yumpeng Wang of the Chinese Metropolitan Opera, and Juliet Petrus, the first Western-trained artist to produce an album of Chinese songs (all sang in Mandarin); delicious Asian cuisine; and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the AAPI communities by helping individuals receive culturally appropriate and integrated medical and behavioral care and other services. For tickets ($75/person) visit apdc.org or contact Jane Lundwall at 303-923-6517.
2016 Denver Chinese School Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration Denver’s Calvary Temple, Feb. 6, 2016
The Denver Chinese School (DCS) is partnering with the Chinese American Foundation of Colorado and the Confucius Institute at Community College of Denver to host the Chinese New Year bash. “For the past 14 years, my family celebrated the Chinese New Year together with many other DCS families and attendees of the annual Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration,” says DCS founder and president HuiLiang Liu. “It’s actually more fun and exciting to celebrate the Chinese New Year with thousands of other people together.” The large event includes a cultural fair and marketplace with Chinese food vendors, heritage displays, arts and crafts, music and more, and a celebration show featuring renowned artists from the U.S. and China. Acts include lion dancing, magic shows, Chinese folk dances and marital arts. Admission to the cultural fair is free. For tickets to the celebration show ($25/person), call 720-270-7032.
• Chinese piano prodigy - Simon Su • Traditional lion dance • Fine dinner • Live and silent auctions $225/person $100/young professional
Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala 2016 Nathan Saturday, January 30, 2016 5:00 p.m. Chinese or Formal Attire
Hyatt Regency DTC 7800 E Tufts Ave Denver, CO 80237
For tickets, call (303) 817-8400 or visit www.nathanyipfoundation.org/events
The Chinese Zodiac 2016
T
What’s your sign?
he ancient Chinese Zodiac is based on a 12year cycle in which each year is named after a different animal. The tradition continues in China and other Asian countries such as Korea and Vietnam, where people believe that the year of an individual’s birth influences his or her personality traits, physical and mental attributes, career successes, and happiness throughout his or her life. Get ready for the year of the Red Fire Monkey! 2016
Monkey
This is Your Year! 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Monkeys will have divine help during the first five months of 2016. Prospects for development in your life are bright. Make full use your capabilities and your optimism. Be friendly with your colleagues when seeking their support, which will help in your determination to get things done. Keep a realistic approach in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey to remove any obstacles to your growth. The period between May and August 2016 is favorable for discussing new ventures. During the month of September 2016, take care of your intellectual faculties to avoid becoming careless when dealing with professional and legal issues. Adhere to official and legal rules if you do not want to invite trouble. Between June and September 2016, Monkey signs should avoid commitments that you cannot keep. Concentrate on your objectives with patience and focus, and do not deviate from the decided course.
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January 2016 | Special
is a monkey year, it belongs to the element fire, and the lucky color of the year is red. Throughout the Asian world, the Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 8, 2016, on the second new moon after the winter solstice, and continue for fifteen days. This is the ideal time of year to start anew, evaluate our goals and desires, and determine what should come of 2016 for ourselves, our families and the world around us. Happy New Year!
Rooster
1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 The Rooster Horoscope for 2016 foretells that the first five months of 2016 are auspicious if you want to make any significant changes in your life’s objectives. It is time to identify and consolidate necessary actions by evaluating your goals. Set your priorities, review your strategies and get into the minute details. The Rooster’s 2016 horoscope warns that before committing to a project or to the demands of others, make careful consideration. Cautiously implement your decisions to avoid any unwanted failures in the Year of the feisty Red Fire Monkey. Roosters are often impetuous in their actions. Take your time before speaking your mind. Make judgments after considering all the pros and cons of a situation. Rooster signs may face some trouble from their spouses or partners during the last four months of 2016. Ignore the objections and proceed with your priorities if you want to make progress. Believe in your capabilities and superior judgment on the matters at hand.
Dog
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 In the coming year, Dog signs will be presented with opportunities to lead a good life, which will be emotionally satisfying. Though you may have to make some compromises, too. Your creative capabilities will be at play in all the fields of life. Predictions for Dog signs this year also forecast that there will be frustrations from life challenges that have accumulated over the past few years. Still, your courage and perseverance will provide for your lasting success. Between the months of April and June 2016, some financial obstacles are likely to surface. The Dog sign will handle these with ease. Do not indulge in spending too much money on luxurious items, cutting down on unnecessary expenses. Keep your objectives in mind in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey, and do not overcommit yourself.
Pig/Boar
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 The Pig or Boar’s Horoscope for 2016 predicts that you will enter the New Year with confidence and a sense of liberty. You will face challenges in life with optimism and independence. You will be assertive yet flexible in your approach with others. While you are free to take actions independently, the Chinese Horoscope for 2016 suggests being prudent when seeking the cooperation of other people. Build new and powerful social contacts that will support you in your personal and professional development. The positions of the stars suggest that although you will work harder, you will allow other people to support you. Do not be in a hurry to commit yourself to others’ needs; remember your personal priorities. Toward the end of July, you will have ample opportunities to help others. Some may try to use you for their own benefit, so stay aware of their true motives.
Rat
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Follow your intuition and you will be able to prevent many mistakes in your life. You will make remarkable progress in expanding your social circle, and it will help you to widen your sphere in influence. In 2016, Rat signs should focus on completing projects that were started some time over the last few years. Be determined to execute your plans. Now is your time! If you faced some problems in your relationships in 2015, the Year of the Red Fire Monkey is auspicious for building harmoni-
ous bonds. Practice clear communication with partners or colleagues who may need to release any lingering mistrust. By end of the year, you will establish good friendships in your professional environment as a result of practicing your communication skills. Coupled with your capacity to make right decisions based on logical thinking, your clarity in communication will help you to make major organizational changes in your life. Do not ignore the offer of help from friends and associates - this will help you to grow in life.
Ox/Cow
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 This year will bring major changes in your life. Other people will be helpful and encourage you to achieve your objectives throughout the year. You need not follow an independent course. This is the time to formulate new strategies and execute them without fear. Seek to make radical changes to your life; whatever obstacles arise will be resolved by your practical approach. The emotional strength among Ox signs will be enhanced by the influence of the planets. Use your intellect to prevent you from making incorrect decisions. In June, do not get entangled in legal hassles while helping others. Develop your optimism and avoid the company of people who try to use you in attaining their own goals. Examine the quality of your relationships between May and October 2016. Discard those that are not sound. Your natural instinct will be at its peak during November and December 2016, and you can rely on it to achieve your objectives.
Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 The Year of the Red Fire Monkey brings Tiger signs a better idea about their true objectives in life. You have a clear knowledge of your mistakes committed in the past and direction about how to move forward. This is your opportunity to make necessary changes to become a better person. Whatever goals you had visualized last year will be accomplished and your success will bring you much happiness. Planets Mercury and Venus will have a great impact on the actions of the Chinese Tiger sign during 2016. There may be times when you feel anxious and vulnerable. If the obstacles you face weigh you down, you may need to depend on others for support. This is acceptable; take what comes in stride. By May 2016 you will come out of this dark feeling by maintaining your peace of mind. Astrological predictions for the Tiger suggest that your achievements will create reasons to celebrate. Examine all of the details in your affairs and formulate your strategies for a good life. Do not hesitate to take risks. Tackle issues with optimism. Chinese Zodiac | asian avenue magazine
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Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Rabbit signs are reaching the final stages of an emotional cycle. The initial four months of 2016 should be used to review your emotional state of mind and remove any barriers standing in the way of clarity. Be practical in dealing with the situation at hand, which will not always be easy. You will be successful in finding a remedy for your problems before they get out of control. Among Rabbits, all relationships that are not contributing to personal progress and growth should be released after thorough examination. Divine forces are suitable for making important decisions in your life in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey. Start with a clean slate after clearing all of the old obstacles away. The period between May and July 2016 will endow you with great vitality, which should be directed towards making outstanding progress in life.
Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Listen to your inner voice to achieve success. Your attitudes fluctuate between a strong focus on your objectives and a tendency to run away from taking responsibilities. You have to strike a fine balance between the two to be successful in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey. 2016 will be a hectic year - there will be hardly any time to relax. Your qualities and your originality are remarkable and will be helpful in accomplishing your goals. Dragon signs should be confident when taking on the most challenging jobs. Spend some time in reflection before making major decisions. You should have a complete overview and put all perspectives together before starting a new project. Accept new opportunities with clarity and confidence. Do not hesitate to seek the opinion of experts and seniors, who will help you to attain your goals easily and at a faster pace. The period between May and July 2016 may be problematic for Dragon relationships. Commit yourself to that which you can actually deliver, and do not yield to emotional blackmail.
Snake
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 You will be free to take actions in all matters without any hindrances. Your communication skills will be excellent, and you will be able to market your products and ideas with ease. Planetary aspects will provide you with extra vitality compared to 2015. Follow your intuition, which will provide you with good results. Detailed thinking, consideration and planning should precede all of your actions.
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January 2016 | Special
Snake signs are encouraged to explore new avenues in life with patience and scrutiny. Do not be overconfident. Make certain that your endeavors are projects that you can complete. Life will be hectic in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey, so organize yourself, breathe deeply, and deal with situations as peacefully as you can. Slow down your pace in the middle of the year, as any rashness will affect your emotional and physical health. Make important decisions after proper dialogue with everyone involved. The Snake should not be carried away by the charming ways of his or her partner during the last part of the year. Make a realistic assessment of relationships without getting distracted by outward appearances.
Horse
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 This year provides many opportunities to succeed in all fields. Your hard work will not be a wasted endeavor. Your progress in life will be a continuation of processes started during previous years. Horse signs will also face great obstacles, which they will overcome easily. It is a time to take risks and use your energy for opportunistic ventures to maximize returns. You will be able to control frustration that may arise from time to time. Any sense of self-doubt should be kept aside. Proceed with optimism and confidence. 2016 brings the potential for remarkable strides in life, as you are clear about what you want to accomplish. Your management capabilities may overshadow your creative talents during the year. Excellent progress in your new business ventures will be realized in June of 2016. Turn on the romance using your personal charm.
Ram/Sheep
1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Astrological forces indicate that your focus will be on achieving financial stability this year, especially around the home. This is your year to work towards securing your future and striving for a life without much hassle. Opportunities to make powerful changes and to make outstanding improvements in all areas of life will be presented to you during this year. Before May 2016, the Ram or Sheep will spend valuable time with his or her spouse and family members, making a concerted effort to improve the harmony in those relationships. Family will also be a major source of support for your professional career during the last quarter of the year. This zodiac sign should aim to keep emotions in check throughout the year and not commit to things they are not capable of completing. This is particularly applicable during the months of October and November 2016. Keep your prime objectives in sight in the face of forceful distractions.
Bringing the ramen culture to Denver!
RAMEN YAKITORI SUSHI OPEN
Mon-Thu & Sat: 5pm - 1am Fri: 5pm - 2am | Sun: 4pm - 9pm 48 parking spots available behind the building!
Double Happy Hours! (Dine in only)
Daily 5pm to 6pm | 10pm to close Sushi $2 Hakushika Hot Sake (sm) $2 Japanese Beer (sm) $3 Selected Hand Roll $3 and more!
We wish you a happy new year, 2016!!! 2907 Huron St. Unit 103 | Denver, CO 80202 | Tel: 720.639.2911
www.mytokio.com
Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant
● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US
1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210
Aoba Sushi
1520 Blake St. Denver, CO 80202 | Tel: 720.242.7002 | aobasushidenver.com By Sarah Shirazi photos by anastasia yagolnik
Menu Highlights SHIITAKE SALAD, $8
Grilled shiitake mushrooms mixed greens
I
GREEN DRAGON, $12.50 Avocado on top with eel tempura inside
RED DRAGON, $13.50
Seared tuna on top with spicy tuna avocado inside
FANCY DRAGON, $13.50
Smoked salmon, eel, avocado on top, shrimp tempura inside
PEARL DIVER, $13.50
Spicy salmon avocado on top, fried oyster inside
DRUNK LAMB $23
Pan roasted Colorado lamb chop in plum wine sauce served with carrots, broccoli, yams, mushrooms and truffle mashed potatoes
KING CRAB CEVICHE $17 Served with yuzu flavor
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January 2016 | Restaurant Peek
If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant with modern hints similar to one you might find in Tokyo or New York, look no further than Aoba, where land meets sea. Established in 2012, Aoba is based on the traditional spirit of Japanese cuisine. Immaculate and elegant, Aoba’s interior takes on decorations as refined and impeccable as its cuisine: dark wood chairs, an elaborate open sushi kitchen, tasteful art, and uncomplicated lighting. It’s difficult to make any one recommendation at Aoba, since its menu spans... well, Japan. The sushi and sashimi comes artfully prepared, some with more creative twists and interesting flavors not found at other sushi restaurants. On the cooked side of things, the seared sushi or aburi is crafted and paired with house-made sauces to perfection. Aburi is the act of applying fire to lightly sear the fish, helping to enhance its natural flavors. The delicate blue crab is not to be missed; it melts in your mouth and contrasts beautifully with the crispy seaweed. The kobe style beef roll was another favorite, mouthwatering kobe beef wagyu with Japanese scallions and ginger.
What ’s unique about Aoba is the balance between authenticity and modernity. Its rare to find a restaurant that serves omakase (chef’s sushi special) in the true creative sense like Aoba does but still offers items like N.Y. Strip Steak Teriyaki (which is to-die-for). On colder days, go with the ramen soups, some of the most traditional around. Try the kyushu ramen, an exquisite blend of fresh vegetables, seafood, and pork—it will leave you feeling warm and complete after consuming. The broth takes over ten hours to stew, and the harmonious marriage of land and sea results in a rich tasting broth with a refreshing finish. The tonkotsu ramen is equally as good, with its pork-based broth topped with pork belly, bean sprouts, bok choy and scallions. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the freshly made green tea mochi. All in all, Aoba has all the elements of a successful restaurant: great food, gracious service and a unique atmosphere. Final verdict: Aoba is one of our favorites, with something for everyone.
Glutinous Sweet Rice Balls (Tang Yuan)
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lutinous Sweet Rice Balls or Tang Yuan are a traditional Chinese sweet usually served at festivals or Chinese New Year, or anything that is celebrated with family. They are popular snack but are commonly consumed on the last night of the New Year. They are little glutinous rice balls that may be unfilled or filled with sweet or savory fillings, and served in syrup or broth. The little dumplings nestled together in the bowl represent family unity or togetherness. Bonus: this dessert is gluten-free! The gluten in glutinous rice is different from wheat, so make this and impress your celiac friends! Try this version with red bean paste.
Ingredients
• 1 cup glutinous rice flour, plus more to dust • 1/3 cup lukewarm water • Red bean paste (can be purchased at most Asian grocery stores) • Food coloring (optional)
Method
1. In a mixing bowl, add 1/3 cup of lukewarm water to the glutinous rice flour, gently stirring with a spoon as you slowly pour in the water. 2. Gently knead the dough with to form a ball. If a dough ball does not easily form, add a teaspoon of water at a time and continue to knead until a dough ball forms and is the consistency of soft putty. 3. Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Pinch off a 1-inch round piece of dough and flatten into a disk with the palms of your hand and place the dough into the boiling water. Once the dough floats, remove it with a sieve. 4. Add the boiled dough to the rest of the dough, and knead until it becomes uniform in consistency. You can divide the dough and add a few drops of food coloring if you want colored glutinous rice balls.
5. Roll into a 1-inch thick log and break into equal pieces of the desired size.
6. Roll each piece of dough into a sphere with the palm of your hands. Press your thumb into the center of the dough to form a little nest. Place the red bean filling in the middle of the dough, gently draw the edges of the dough up around the ball, seal, and roll into a sphere. Place on a plate lightly dusted with glutinous rice flour, and cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out while you finish making the rest of the stuffed glutinous rice balls. 7. Place the rice balls in boiling water, gently stir, and wait for them to float to the surface. Lower the heat to a simmer and wait for the rice balls to slightly expand before gently scooping them out with a sieve and placing in the soup/liquid you will be serving them in. Feel free to add rock sugar, ginger, boiled red beans, or fermented sweet rice to the soup.
Chef’s Menu | asian avenue magazine
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Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice FREE and LOW-COST Health Care
Quality medical examinations for diagnosis and treatment. Vaccinations, blood tests and annual exams. Dental and behavioral health care. Female provider for pap smear and birth control tests. Interpretation support for all our immigrant communities.
Women’s Wellness Services
Family medicine and urgent care services you can trust. The Southwest Family Health Center and Urgent Care Center Family Medicine | Pediatrics | Women’s Care | Urgent Care
OPENING APRIL 2016
We provide FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings to women who qualify: • Ages 40-64 • Lawfully present in the United States • Uninsured or Underinsured (cannot afford the deductible) • Some income guidelines
Still need health insurance for 2016? Open enrollment for 2016 health insurance ends January 31, 2016. • If you have certain life changes, you can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. If you do, your coverage could start sooner. • Visit Connect for Health Colorado, Colorado's health insurance marketplace at www.connectforhealthco.com.
WALKIN PATIENTS WELCOME!
DenverHealth.org © 2015 Denver Health
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday by appointment 5250 Leetsdale Drive | Between Forest & Holly | Suite 110 | Denver 80246
Tel: 303-954-0058 | www.cahep.org
For more information call 720-873-6243 or visit our website today at: www.ColoEggDonor.com William Schoolcraft, MD • Eric Surrey, MD • Debra Minjarez, MD Robert Gustofson, MD • Jennifer Brown, MD
Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP) provides health assistance to Colorado communities Culturally competent women’s preventive screening and enrollment services at CAHEP CAHEP provides on-site health coverage guides, navigators and Affordable Care Act or ACA (Connect for Health Colorado) enrollment services. Medicaid and insurance eligibility for the market-place supports determining financial/income status for programs that have different income thresholds for eligibility. It is important to note that as our target populations often have mixed-insurance households, immigration status, and financial capacity, and a thorough inquiry is conducted in each and every case. All such work is done in language of choice and with cultural respect, and so adds another layer of complexity. CAHEP is fully dependent on a collaborative process to make such programs effective. CAHEP works with community health workers, and for the Women’s Health Program provides breast health education to the family in their community, tailoring the education to her community’s needs and tracking outcomes. CAHEP works with existing partners and community stakeholders to provide the space in which recruiting, enrollment and educational activities take place. The culturally competent community-based workers and navigators have a postive effect which allows CAHEP access to communicate with rarely or never-screened women by explaining why regular mam mogram screenings are critical for their health and wellness. Community workers also have the relationship with their community to best explain why a screening is necessary, in a culturally acceptable manner, with trust and respect of their families. CAHEP organizes health fairs for screening and follow-up care For over ten years, CAHEP has been a leader in delivering health risk assessments through health fairs that engage local Asian and refugee communities. The community leaders and stakeholder, priests and navigators, work as a team to address health disparities for the underserved minority populations. The health fairs took place from September to December 2015. It is notable that these fairs involve staff and volunteers from Walgreens, Colorado Christian University, Discount Dental Services, refugee organizations such as Hope Communities, Burmese and Nepali cultural groups, African Family groups, Servicio de la Raza, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, Caring for Colorado Foundation, Colorado Prevention Center (CHHS program, supported by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or CDPHE), Connect for Health Colorado, CDPHE’s Women’s Wellness Connection and others. The community participation in each event has been quite impressive and builds upon a strong relationship developed by CAHEP. There is trust and mutual understanding along with linguistically and culturally appropriate services for the target population, at each and every event. Referrals to Primary care and Dental clinics are made based on point of care results.
CAHEP health fair event at the lslamic Center (Masjid) in Northglenn
CAHEP health screening and enrollment event at H-Mart in Aurora
Join the growing movement of health neighborhood markets Business owners across the country have become community leaders by committing to providing their customers with fresh healthy foods and making a profit. CAHEP is working with Denver City Environmental Health and Wellness to promote a healthy community at the Family Asia Market, 8800 E. Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220. As part of the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network in Denver, basic guidelines will provide information to stores on how to stock healthier products that customers may find appealing as they try to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.
Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice 5250 Leetsdale Drive, Suite 110 | Denver, CO 80246 For more information about CAHEP’s services, visit www.cahep.org or call 303-954-0058. Health | asian avenue magazine
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By Tom Shieh
Be - Do - Have:
A New Way to Look at New Year’s Resolutions
A
s we enter the 2016 New Year, we all naturally set goals and make renewed commitments for growth. For some of us, it is better health and vitality. For others, it is greater financial well-being or job security. Or, it can be a desire for deeper connections and meaningful relationships. Whatever it may be, we all find fulfillment and inspiration through constant progress. Why is it that we often end up making the same goals and commitments year after year? Why is the workout gym jam-packed in January, and then it fades by February? If we are honest about it, most people’s resolutions for this upcoming year look similar to the resolutions they made last year. Here is one principle that differentiate those that actually achieve their goals versus those that just continue to spin their wheels. It is a habit mastered by those operating in the realm of high performance. Let me share with you a secret called “Be-Do-Have.” Most people operate backwards from this principle. Most people live under “Have-Do-Be,” which is why they don’t make the desired progress as effectively. In other words, our culture has taught us to believe that if we HAVE certain things (more money, more love, more time, more education) then we will finally be able to DO certain things like go on a vacation, buy a new car or home, start a new business, do the things we truly love, which will then allow us to BE a certain type of person (happy, joyful, content, inspirational, loving, generous).
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January 2016 | Advice Column
This is completely backwards, which is why we end up in a perpetual cycle of stress and frustration. Avoid falling for this deception. Think about it. We are human ‘beings,’ not human ‘havings,’ or human ‘doings.’ ‘Have-Do-Be’ leads us to falsely believe in the illusion that doing or having something produces a state of “being”. We must start with our essence of being as the core. The truth is that life flows much more effectively and naturally when we align with our being. It’s the “Be-Do-Have“ principle. First, “be” your desired outcome (happy, loving, healthy, generous, compassionate). Then you will naturally start “doing” things from this natural state of being. And soon, you’ll discover that what you do brings you the things that you’ve always wanted to “have”. This one simple principle can make a tremendous difference in your New Year’s Resolutions this year. Figure out what you want to HAVE, and determine the specific end result you want. For example, you might want a fit healthy body, more active lifestyle, certain dollar amount in your bank, specific job, desired degree, certain measurable goal. Then ask yourself and list what you would should to DO to have those things you listed as your end result. Ask yourself what you would want to BE if you had those results. Would you be more confident, more sought after, more energetic? Now, take the answers above and flip it around. Immediately, begin practicing “being” the type of person that has those attributes. When you do it genuinely and
whole-heartedly, I assure that whatever your New Year’s resolutions, you’ll naturally “do” and “have” your desired result in due time.
Tom Shieh has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and master’s degree in telecommunications. He took a leap of faith and left a well-paying job environment to pursue his entrepreneurial passions. During this journey, he’s started 14 different companies and developed, managed and acquired over 150 websites. Through his successes and failures in business and life, he loves sharing his experience in a truthful and relevant manner as a national speaker, best-selling author and industry leader and has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and Forbes. He is blissfully married to his high-school sweetheart; they’ve been together for over 21 years. Originally from Taiwan, they have three joyful children together and currently reside in beautiful Denver. Connect with Tom at www.linkedin.com/in/tomshieh or www.facebook.com/tomshieh.
Colorado’s Hmong community celebrates the New Year By Mai Choua Lee Colorado’s Hmong community celebrated its annual New Year celebration at Adams County Fairgrounds from Nov. 2729. The three-day celebration consisted of traditional Hmong dancing, folk singing, a fashion show, and much more. The New Year celebration consisted of the opening ceremony by Hmong elders along with representatives from Adams County. Cultural performances followed the opening ceremony, including traditional dances and a fashion show to display the different ethnic styles of different Hmong throughout the country. The community also invited Adams County Sheriff McIntosh to be the keynote speaker.
The festivities continued with a singing competition, modern dance competition and even a Hmong spelling bee. Miss Sanakee Xiong bid a fond farewell to her title as Miss Hmong Colorado 2014. Miss Hmong Colorado was not selected this year, but the community looks forward to selecting someone next year. This colorful and beautiful celebration welcomes everyone to learn about Hmong culture, see performances, enjoy arts and crafts, and taste new food together. The open and public event is celebrated every Thanksgiving weekend; everyone is invited to join the festivities in 2016. May the New Year bring joy, peace and happiness to all.
Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab! (Happy New Year!) Blossom of Lights SHINE at the Denver Botanic Gardens The Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossom of Lights featured beautiful light decorations and the return of the grand illuminated O’Fallon Perennial Walk and the Romantic Gardens. Guests gazed at the twinkling lights through the popular HoloSpex glasses. This annual family-friendly event took place from Nov. 27, 2015 to Jan. 2, 2016. Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951. It is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the U.S. and a pioneer in water conservation. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to refresh with unique garden experiences for the whole family any time of the year – as well as world-class education and plant conservation research programs. For more information, visit online at www.botanicgardens.org.
hong kong-style french toast steals the show at naaap fundraiser The Colorado chapter of National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) hosted its annual fundraiser on Dec. 8 with special guest New York City chef, Kenneth Wan, serving his signature Hong Kong-style French Toast “HKFT.” After guests enjoyed catered sushi and other tasty hors d’oeurves, they munched on the sweet toasty bites of Nutella Banana and S’mores. Denver Broncos’ players Brandon McManus and Sylvester Williams joined the night of socializing and networking at the Historic Fleming Mansion. Proceeds from the ticket sales, silent auction and fundraising benefit the 2016 NAAAP National Leadership Academy that will take place in Feb. 2016.
New York City chef, Kenneth Wan, serves his signature Hong Kong-style French Toast “HKFT.”
Denver Broncos players Brandon McManus (left) and Sylvester Williams (right) join the event.
On Scene | asian avenue magazine
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Enka
Japanese singing in Denver
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By Annie Guo
Akemi Tsutsui, a young Enka singer, performs at Denver Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Seiji Tanaka (left) and Consul General of Japan Ikuhiko Ono (right) sing the finale in 2013.
Masako Beecken was the emcee at the 2014 Japanese singing contest.
This month, Denver celebrates its 41st year of Japanese “Enka” singing at the annual Kohaku Uta Gassen Japanese singing contest on Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple. Enka is a popular Japanese music genre considered to resemble traditional Japanese music stylistically. Enka singing has a distinctive style involving techniques of Kobushi (a form of presenting musical vowels in two or more notes that go up, down or both in the musical scale), vibration, and carefully placed musical rests of varying length. “Typical Enka songs relate to love, lost love, sadness, loneliness, happiness, and the home country—much like modern country songs,” says Richard Yoshida, who has been singing Enka for more than 40 years. The popularity of the genre has grown internationally, from Taiwan to the Philippines and even to Denver. Kohaku Uta Gassen — which literally means “red and white singing battle” — is
a Japanese singing competition between a male and female team that began shortly after World War II and eventually spread to the U.S. The hugely popular Kohaku Uta Gassen sponsored by the Nippon Broadcasting System is what started it all. The Japan Uta Gassen began its broadcasting via radio in 1951. Televised events began in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. In the Denver Kohaku Uta Gassen, a panel of ten judges (many who are dignitaries including the Consul General of Japan) award points for each singer based on voice quality and projection, presentation, and audience appeal. Points are tallied after segments, and the winner is announced after the final segment. “Over the years, the winning team has evened out between the ladies and men (red and white teams), but it is always fun to wait in anticipation,” says Yoshida. Modern Enka music is akin to popular music and blues and is very beautiful with the words and associated music. To-
day, the Uta Gassen events in Japan, the U.S., and Denver, include this genre in addition to a flavor of rock music. The Denver event has grown to also include popular Taiko drum performances, Japanese and Okinawan dances and other performing arts. Once exclusively focused on traditional Japanese “Enka” singing, the event now also has styles of Japanese rock and pop music, as well as songs in English. “It is very rare when people of many different generations between ages 5 to over 80 participate in an event together,” says Seiji Tanaka, chairman of the Denver Kohaku Uta Gassen organizing committee. He has been involved with Kohaku since it began. Tanaka says Japanese communities across the U.S. decided to replicate the original Kohaku as a way to entertain first generation immigrants. When those people passed away, most cities stopped producing it. However, in Denver, Tanaka and others felt it was important to keep this
January 2016 | Culture
Seiji Tanaka (left), chairman of Denver’s Kohaku Uta Gassen committee, stands with the emcee Aya Nakazato (right).
Erika Tanaka and Mirai Daiko, a Japanese drum ensemble, perform at the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
tradition for the younger generations. According to Tanaka, “The entire program is conducted in Japanese. I often say that without going to Japan, you can enjoy Japan here in Denver for at least one day.” In the 41 years of its existence, the Denver Kohaku Uta Gassen has continually drawn a full house in the auditorium at the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple. Audiences of up to 300 have joined each year, and it is still going strong. In recent years, younger people have wanted to learn Enka, and to participate in this wonderful event. “We have an Enka singing club of about 20 members,” says Yoshida. “Two young members have joined and they participate in weekly practices, as well as join in monthly karaoke
parties. We just celebrated our yearly end-of-the-year party (Bohnenkai) on Dec. 19, 2015. Both of these members participate as competitors in the Uta Gassen.” All the proceeds from the annual singing contest are donated to the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple. The temple’s Fujinkai (Buddhist Women Association) sells obento, Japanese lunch boxes which helps with fundraising. Mareo Torito, owner of Kokoro Restaurants and Red Bird Farms, donates all of the chicken for the fundraiser. “Torito is a regular participant and a good singer,” says Tanaka. This event welcomes audiences of all backgrounds interested in Japanese culture and music. For more information about Denver’s Kohaku Uta Gassen, call 303-295-1844.
“Personally, I have sung in all 40 years, except when my work transferred me to San Diego for seven years. I still managed to sneak back two of those years to participate, so, I have sung in 35 Uta Gassen events in Denver.” - Richard Yoshida, Enka singer
How were you first introduced to Enka singing?
My first encounter with Enka singing was when I was about 5 years old and my mother encouraged me to sing an old Enka favorite that she played on a hand cranked phonograph player. I didn’t understand the words at the time, but I loved the music and the beat. The love of Enka was hence passed on to me, just as it was likely passed on through the generations in other families and communities.
What do you enjoy most about the singing contest? I know from experience and from close association with other competitors, that all singers in the Kohaku Uta Gassen love their moment on stage, and feel so good when the audience appreciates their presentation.
Enka Singing | asian avenue magazine
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