asian avenue magazine
Connecting Cultures Linking Lives
June 2013 Volume 8 Issue 6
Refugees settle in Colorado Families from Burma and Bhutan face hardships in resettlement
Japan Cup Greg Lee has helped students in pre-collegiate programs for years
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Asian Pacific
Development Center opens doors to new location
plants the seeds of international relations for high school and college students
restaurant peeks
Lucky China + Tumrup Thai
喜相逢 大酒樓
The Empress Seafood
Dim Sum Restaurant
Best Roast Duck In Town
Winner of many awards for best dim sum and Chinese Restaurant since 1993
Specializing styles in Dim Sum, Cantonese, & Szechuan N
Tel: 303.922.2822 W. Alameda Ave.
I-25
Federal Blvd
Open Hours Sat - Sun Mon - Fri
10:30am - 9pm 11am - 9pm
2825 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, CO 80219
Dear Asian Avenue readers,
I hope you were able to enjoy some of the community events in May in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! As summer kicks in, there are many more exciting events around the corner including the Miss Asian American Colorado Finale Show and the Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri). See more in the Upcoming Events section.
This month’s cover story, written by Mary Jeneverre Schultz, gives an in-depth look into Colorado’s refugee population, specifically those who are from Bhutan and Burma. The refugees resettle in the state having to learn American customs and find jobs. While they have endured many hardships along their journey to the U.S., they often find even more challenges when they arrive. Luckily, with the support of local organizations, numerous resources are available for Colorado refugees.
Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) is one organizations that provides helpful services, including language assistance. APDC also hosts annual food and clothing drives to donate to refugee families. The organization is excited to announce its new building is now open. They welcome the community to visit their facility and to consider it a community center for the Asian Pacific Islander community as a whole. On June 14, APDC will host an Open House to celebrate and ‘bless’ the new building and celebrate with performancers and appetizers. In our spotlight section, we feature Greg Lee who is the Associate Director for the Center for PreCollegiate and Academic Outreach Programs at University of Colorado Denver. He shares his personal story about coming to the U.S. at the age of 11 with his family as refugees from Laos. Now, he instills the importance of education in the students he works with. Landon Du, a recent graduate of Denver School of the Arts, says he believes that his school has given him many opportunities he otherwise would not have encountered. As this month’s Rising Star, Landon is a creative and tech savvy jokester. Along with his friends, he hosts a podcast called “The DuCast” and he will be attending the University of San Francisco this fall. We hope you will visit the restaurants Tumrup Thai and Lucky China featured in this month’s peeks. Both are located in the Aurora area. While they do not have the exterior shine and shimmer, the delicious homemade recipes speak for themselves! Thank you for picking up this issue! Happy reading,
asian avenue magazine
staff & support
Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Production Manager: Peter Bui Designer: C.G. Yao Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Akemi Tsutsui and Allison Riley
advisors group
Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Peter Warren, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida
contributing writers
Wayne Chan, Phil Nash, Jon Sarché, Marge Taniwaki, Andrew Vierra, Brenda Velasquez
contributing photographers
Amache Preservation Society, Gil Asakawa, Asian Pacific Development Center, Mulania Bathin, Dan Bihn, James D. Brecht, Randall Crumrine, Japanese American Society of Colorado, Nancy Lien, Michaely Rosas, Dao Than, Peggy Yujiri
on the cover
Su Baw, a refugee who resides in Colorado, holds a Karen national flag at a multicultural commercial shoot for Channel 8. Photo by Michaely Rosas Provided by Asian Pacific Development Center
subscriptions
Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine
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editorial
To submit story ideas, letters to the editor, or listings for the Events Calendar, e-mail to 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
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June 2013 |President’s Note
Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
Restaurant Peeks 18 Lucky China unites the best of Chinese and Korean
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Colorado welcomes refugees from Bhutan and Burma
June 2013
Upcoming Events
Spotlight 8 CU-Denver’s Greg Lee values the importance of
Take your love for spicy foods up a notch at Tumrup
Thai when you order ‘Thai Hot’
On the Cover
Contents 6
dishes with its multiple menus
education and instills this value in his students
Features 20 The 2013 Japan Cup educates students on Japanese
language and culture
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Comedy Column: Five Rules to a Successful Marriage
On Scene Mile-high area events 22 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor helps
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dedicate new Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center Annual Amache pilgrimage visits former concentration camp in Granada, Colorado Gloria Koshio receives Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Miss Asian American Colorado hosts community BBQ with a musical and athletic twist
Rising Star 9 Landon Du graduates from Denver School of
the Arts and heads to San Francisco to enhance his creativity
Inside Stories 10 The doors are open! Asian Pacific Development
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Center welcomes visitors to its new building and
the first community center for the API community
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Colorado Budokan teaches much more than
26 National News
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physical fitness; the dojo provides valuable life lessons in self-discipline, focus and respect
June 2013 | Table of Contents
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Generation Connect workshop provides mental health resources and advice to Asian Americans
28 Chinese Idiom
A Futile Attempt
Shen Chinese Medicine
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upcoming events 18th Annual Philippine Festival Saturday, June 9, 11am to 5pm
Pi’ilani Hawaiian Civic Club of Colorado’s Ho’olaule’a 2013
Saturday, June 22, 9:15am to 7pm
Highlands Ranch Civic Green Park 9370 Ridgeline Blvd.| Highlands Ranch For more info, call Lynette Rogers at 303-638-3834.
FACC | 1900 Harlan St. | Edgewater Free Admission For more info, visit www.coloradofilipinos.org Join The Filipino-American Community of Colorado at the Philippine Festival, themed “This is Our Philippines.” The festival provides fun for the entire family, presenting cultural dances, Filipino and American musical performances from local bands, food, and a taste of why spending time with Filipinos can leave a permanent impression on your heart. One of the highlights of the Philippine Festival is the FACC Performance Group’s rendition of the trademark Philippine stick dance called “Tinikling”.
APDC Open House
Friday, June 14, Doors Open 4:30pm Asian Pacific Development Center 1537 Alton Street | Aurora RSVP at rsvp@apdc.org or 303-923-2920 For more info, visit www.apdc.org.
APDC is now in its new building and opening its doors to invite friends to see their ‘new’ home and Integrated Care Services. Celebrate APDC’s new community center. Bless the space and take a tour of the facility. Enjoy appetizers, taiko drums, lion dance and more!
AAJA Denver Community Photography Workshop
Saturday, June 15, 10am to 12pm
KDVR Fox 31 | 100 E. Speer Blvd. | Denver Cost: $20 per person For more info, visit www.aajadenver.com or e-mail aajadenver@gmail.com.
Enjoy this festival that celebrates Hawaiian, Polynesian and Pacific cultures. There will be hula and Polynesian dance and music featuring 101 ‘Ukulele on stage, crafts, merchandise and food booths. Other activities include children’s hula, ukulele lessons, cultural demonstrations, and raffle drawings. .
41st Annual Cherry Blossom Festival - Sakura Matsuri
women in Colorado. Enjoy a spectacular evening of coloful culture, individual talent and a celebration of service. And see who will be named the 2013 Miss Asian American Colorado!
Asian Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
Wednesday, June 26, 6pm to 7:30pm
Golden Shanghai | 1412 S. Parker Rd. | Denver Cost: $10 for ACC members | $15 for non-members For more info or to RSVP, visit www.acccolorado.org or call 303-595-9737. Join the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership at this joint Business After Hours event. Meet the honored guest Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan and network with others in the business community.
API Community Picnic
Saturday, June 29, 11am to 3pm
Saturday, June 22, 11am to 6pm Sunday, June 23, 11am to 4pm
Lawrence Street, 19th and 20th Streets Downtown Denver Free Admission For more info, visit www.cherryblossomdenver.org. Experience Denver’s largest celebration of Japanese American heritage, now in its 41st year. The Cherry Blossom Festival (in Japanese, Sakura Matsuri) features taiko drum performances, traditional Japanese dance, cultural demonstrations, arts and crafts, family activities, and food.
6th Annual Miss Asian American Colorado Finale Show Sunday, June 23, Doors Open 5:30pm Colorado Heights University 3001 S. Federal Blvd. | Denver Cost: $20 Adults | $15 Students $5 Children (under age of 12) For more info, visit www.missaaco.com or e-mail missaaco2013@gmail.com.
Clement Park, Shelter G Pierce Street and Bowles Avenue | Littleton RSVP to Johnny Poon at jpoon@lauandchoi.com or call 303-856-6981 by June 23rd. Celebrate Independence Day with a community potluck to bring together the Asian American Pacific Islander community. A dozen organizations have come together to host this fun annual picnic. Bring a dish to share and also bring a gently used backpack to donate to MEED which helps homeless students.
Yasuo Ishikawa Jazz CD Debut Sunday, June 30, Doors Open 7pm
Now in its sixth year, the Miss Asian American Colorado Finale Show celebrates the leadership, service and individuality of young Asian-American
Learn from members of the media on how to improve your photography skills to get the word out about your community’s or organization’s event, or your group’s performance! This community photography training is for leaders and performers of organizations within the local communities interested in media outreach.
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June 2013 | Upcoming Events
DazzleJazz | 930 Lincoln St. | Denver For more info or tickets, visit www.dazzlejazz.com or call 303-839-5100. For more info about the CD, visit www.riverstonejazz.com. The SoBo Four, which includes Yasuo Ishikawa on alto saxophone, will perform tunes from their recording, The G.K. Story, at the CD release party.
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
From refugee to college degree: Greg Lee instills the value of education in his students Greg Lee and his wife Pa Lee
Patricia Kaowthumrong Asian Avenue magazine
I
t’s not unusual for individuals to pursue careers in education to fulfill a desire to make an impact in young people’s lives, but it was a belief in the potential of every individual student that led Greg Lee to his current position. “As someone who has worked with students for many years, one of the things which have inspired me was the realization that every student has the potential to become the best they can be in their educational endeavors and be impactful in their community,” says Lee, the associate director for the Center for Pre-Collegiate and Academic Outreach Programs at the University of Colorado Denver. “However, many times students do not realize their potential unless someone works with them.” Lee has been involved with the Center for Pre-Collegiate and Academic Outreach Programs since 1988. At the center, he directs programs and workshops to help students get ready for college and facilitate success in their academic careers. Lee says was personally inspired to succeed in part by his family’s hardships and his own experiences as a first-generation college bound student. “Watching how difficult it was for my parents to find jobs because they did not have any college degree and due to their language barrier, I wanted to be in a career in which I could be part of the solution when it comes to education,” Lee says. “Although my family and I were struggling when we first arrived in this country, it helped me to realize that in the midst of struggles, there was hope and opportunity for a better life if I can obtain a college degree.” Lee and his family came to the U.S. as refugees from Laos when he was 11 years old. Because his parents didn’t know English when
Greg Lee’s family photo
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June 2013 | Spotlight
Greg Lee is the Associate Director for the Center for Pre-Collegiate and Academic Outreach Programs at CU Denver.
they first moved to the U.S., Lee says it was difficult for them to find adequate jobs. As a result, his mother and father took any job they could to make ends meet for the family. “As human beings, we can accomplish most of anything if we work hard and put our minds to it,” Lee says. “It is important for students to realize their potential so that they can work toward reaching those potentials. More importantly, they need to be encouraged that they have the potential to accomplish anything that they put their minds to it.” Lee also believes in the importance of community involvement. He has been volunteering for more than 25 years for various organizations such as the Hmong Advisory Council, Hmong Houa Phanh Youth Organization of Colorado, Hmong Women Educational Association, Denver Hmong Alliance Church, Hmong Student Association of Colorado, Hmong National Development, Asian Pacific Development Center, and Hmong Colorado Radio. Lee’s most recent positions include scholarship program chair for the Denver Hmong Alliance Church, board member for the Hmong American Association of Colorado and advisory board member for the APDC’s Integrated Care Advisory Board. “I believe that community involvement is very important and it is one of the ways people can impact their community,” Lee says. “If people want to see positives changes in their community, it needs to start with them.” In his spare time, Lee enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially with his nieces and nephews. He also likes to watch and play sports, notably football, basketball and soccer.
2008 Hmong National Conference
School: Denver School of the Arts Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah Involvements: The DuCast podcasting group, Denver School of Science and Technology tennis team and Video Cinema Arts Department Quote you live by: “Yer a wizard, Harry.” Yourself in three words: Not too bad. Hobbies/Interests: Filmmaking, podcasting, acting, video gaming, blogging, and comedy
RISING STAR: Landon Du
Your dream job: I have no idea but I hope there’s money involved.
Annie Guo
Asian Avenue magazine
Born in the millennial age, Landon Du has grown up with the influence of technology. At the age of 18, he enjoys making videos, playing video games and recording podcasts. On May 23, 2013, Du graduated from Denver School of the Arts (DSA) where he majored in Theatre for two years and then in Video Cinema for the following two years. DSA is a comprehensive secondary arts magnet school (grades 6-12) in Denver Public Schools. The school is “committed to fostering a lifelong love of the arts in a culturally diverse, academically challenging environment.” “As much as I have a tendency to dislike it, school is definitely an important factor in my life due to all the opportunities it has brought me,” he said. Du particularly enjoyed DSA because the school fostered his passion for art. He was also inspired by his classmates who shared similar interests. “It’s cool to be surrounded by a bunch of people who are as passionate about their art as you are about yours.” In April 2013, Du received an award from the Asian Education Advisory Council at the high school level with notably high achievement in academics. Du is inspired by talented and creative artwork and videography. He said, “When I see something that’s really amazing [like a video], I think ‘that’s awesome, funny, cool’ I wanna do something like that one day.” He looks up to Chris Hardwick, a stand-up comedian, and Steven Yuen, a Korean-American actor among many others. Du is Chinese-American. His parents met as college students in Utah. His mother is
“
I started to become much more empathetic towards the plights of others who are marginalized because of their race, gender, interests, sexual orientation, etc.
from Chengdu and father is from Hangzhou. He has a younger sister, Angela, and lives with his mother and grandparents. Growing up in a Chinese home has given him more appreciation of diversity and those around him. “Once I started realizing how marginalized Asian-Americans were in American society [e.g. non-stereotypical Asian representation in media is practically non-existent], I started to become much more empathetic towards the plights of others who are marginalized because of their race, gender, interests, sexual orientation, etc.” “I’ve become a lot more conscious of that kind of stuff, so perhaps my race and its minority status have helped me to become more accepting and open-minded,” he said. Along with his friends, Du established DuCast which is a comedy audio podcast of “teenagers sitting around and talking about things that don’t matter.” DuCast is available on iTunes for download. Beginning this fall, he will embark on the next stage of his life at the University of San Francisco. “I’m actually kind of scared about college but at the same time I’m really excited,” he said. “It’s a weird feeling.”
Landon Du (middle) with his sister Angela (left) and his mother Jenny (right).
Du (left) performs in a school production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. The DuCast podcasts are available for download on iTunes.Visit theducast.podbean.com for more information.
asian avenue magazine
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APDC’s New Home is the
~First~ Community Center for colorado’s Asian pacific islander Community Main entrance of the new APDC building
After operating out of two separate buildings for numerous years, Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) finally moved the two offices under one roof in April 2013. Located at 1537 Alton Street in Aurora, only blocks away from where many of the newly arrived refugee populations reside, APDC is now in the heart of the community that most needs its services. Over two years in the making, this new home of APDC is about 14,000 sq/ft with everything newly renovated to best fit the needs of the organization as well as that of the community it serves. “This building allows us to implement the Integrated Care Model which we have long been planning for,” said Chris Wanifuchi, CEO of the organization. “With the addition of a primary care clinic this summer, we will then provide medical, behavioral health and other related services all in one location. This is now the one-stop-shop for our refugee families and it’s only walking
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June 2013 | Inside Story
distance to many of them. How great is that?” Wanifuchi said, while glancing over to the clients in the waiting area, exchanging smiles. In addition to the array of services that are provided in this spacious new building, the large community room—that opens up to the courtyard—can house 100 people and will be available for use by other community organizations and members. For smaller meeting spaces, the board room, library, and community room will also be made available for anyone who needs it. Wanifuchi adds, “This is not just APDC’s new building; this is also the space for the community—the first and only community center for the API community in Colorado— where people can come and feel at home. We want everyone to know that.” APDC will host its Open House on Friday, June 14, 2013 to officially celebrate and “bless” this new home for the Colorado’s API community. RSVP at: rsvp@apdc.org or 303.923.2920.
Citizenship class with Michaely Rosas, Adult Education Director
APDC Asian Pacific Development Center
1537 Alton St. Aurora, CO 80010 Main: 303.923.2920 Fax: 303.923.2921 info@apdc.org | www.apdc.org Reception area at the new APDC
Colorado Budokan fosters:
respect, self-discipline and physical fitness
Colorado Budokan
3547 S. Monaco Pkwy | Denver, Colorado 80237 Tel: 720-253-7473 | www.coloradobudokan.com
Photos and Website Redesign by Randall Crumrine of Copper Crow Design & Consulting
Summer BULLY DEFENSE Camps enrollment is now open!
Give your child the knowledge and confidence to handle their daily challenges. It works! CAMP DATES AUG. 12– 16 and AUG. 19 - 23 Classes are 12:30 - 3:30 pm daily For children ages 6 and up Learn more at www.coloradobudokan.com.
Colorado Budokan has been providing the highest quality instruction in Shotokan Karate and Japanese Martial Arts for kids and adults in the Denver Metro area for over 30 years. The dojo offers excellent children’s karate programs tailored for kids as young as three years old as well as regular classes for older kids, teens, adults and families. Colorado Budokan provides professional instruction in the art of karate and promotes the history, philosophy, and techniques of traditional Karate-Do. Its outstanding group of instructors come from a wide range of backgrounds and include United States of America National Karate-do Federation Team members, certified referees and judges, numerous National and International Championship medalists, and sports medicine professionals and fitness trainers. Colorado Budokan is affiliated with the USA National Karate-Do Federation, national governing body for traditional karate in the United States; appointed by the United States Olympic Committee. This year was the 15th anniversary of Colorado Budokan’s annual Friendship Cup. Held in February, the tournament was hosted at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO where Sensei Isao Gary Tsutsui teaches credit and extracurricular classes. “We are working on expanding our tournament and this year received competitors from CA, OR, NM and TX,” said Assistant Instructor Akemi Tsutsui. The Tsutsuis believe that the best aspect about teaching at Colorado Budokan is that all of the instructors share a love of karate as a martial art. “It is a great privilege to be able to transfer our karate knowledge to our students and help parents reinforce traditional values through the practice of karate. What is most rewarding is to be part of the journey of self-realization a student experiences at the dojo,” said Sensei Candice Tsutsui. Sensei Isao Gary Tsutsui added, “As instructors it is our responsibility to guide a student to be the best they can be given whatever natural advantages and disadvantages they possess. Often the student is capable of far more than they initially see themselves to be and if they keep trying and don’t give up they are able to reach their full potential.” There are several events coming up this summer that Colorado Budokan will participate in: • Kubotan Self-defense Seminar - June 2nd: This seminar is taught by Sensei Isao Gary Tsutsui, who is a certified Kubotan Self-defense System Instructor and has conducted Kubotan seminars throughout the U.S. and other countries. The seminar is taught at the Colorado Budokan dojo where participants will learn effective and direct self-defense techniques that do not require any special athletic ability or prior martial arts experience. • Funakoshi Cup - June 8th: The tournament will be hosted by Sensei John Bolosan of Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association Colorado at Montclair Recreation Center in Denver, CO. • Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) - June 22nd-23rd: Colorado Budokan will perform demonstrations. • USANKF National Championships - July 10th - 14th: This USA Karate sanctioned event is nationally attended and will be held in Greenville, SC.. The event serves as team trials for the Junior (ages 12-20) and Senior Teams (ages 18-34). Competitors attempt to make the teams in kata (forms) and/or kumite (sparring, divisons based on weight in kilograms). • Colorado Dragon Boat Festival - July 27th - 28th: Colorado Budokan will perform demonstrations. Not only does karate provide physical fitness, it teaches valuable life lessons. “Today there are less social customs in place to teach individuals how to be good students, good employees, good family members, etc. Karate teaches respect, discipline, commitment and honor,” said Sensei Isao Gary Tsutsui. “It teaches that one must work hard and not give up in order to be rewarded. Even in sport karate, only the hard workers win; not everyone receives a medal just for showing up. Karate is a true reflection of life and reinforces that strong work ethic is a habit and that excellence is also a habit.” asian avenue magazine
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Asian populations
are growing from an influx of
refugees
from Burma and Bhutan Story by Mary 12
June 2013 | Cover Story
Jeneverre Schultz
A
s immigration becomes a heated issue in today’s politics, Denver is seeing a growth of Asian refugees fromBurma and Bhutan. Already, populations from Vietnam, the Philippines and India have entered the U.S. as large populations throughout metropolitan cities of Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. The United States is a melting pot of ethnicities. And Denver is not immune to the growing diversity of populations, especially those from Asia. Restaurants exemplify this melting pot of cultures. In a week, a diner could eat Filipino, Japanese and Indian cuisines, probably in locations next to each other or within a neighborhood. About 430,000 Asians, or 36 percent of all new immigrants, arrived in the U.S. in 2010, according to the latest census data. Other statistics come from the Pew Research. The tipping point for Asian immigrants likely occurred during 2009, according to recent statistics by Pew Research. These increases come from increased Asian immigration, particularly of people from India, China and South Korea, coincides with changes in U.S. immigration policy dating to the 1990s that began to favor wealthy and educated workers. Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants dotted downtown Denver, especially those on Federal Boulevard and Colfax Avenue. Most of the owners share their stories of coming to America with nothing but the clothes on their back. asian avenue magazine
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The women represent communities from Burma, including Mon, Chin, Shan, Burmese, Karen, Karenni and Kachin at the Water Festival in Aurora. Photo by Mulania Bathin.
Who are the immigrant groups from Asia?
Obstacles in assimilating in the United States
Communities from Burma There are nine different tribes from Burma. As a result of the diversity in the tribes, it is not easy to identify an individual from Burma. Individuals from Burma identify themselves as the tribes’ name. These communities from Burma began resettling seven years ago in Colorado. Meet Htu San and Dai Brang Seng. Exiled from Burma and living undocumentedly in Malaysia for the past five years, the young couple moved and settled in Aurora just four months ago. Motivated by great opportunities, the couple landed a job at a Chinese chain restaurant immediately, working at different locations. Well versed in several languages between the two, the couple yearns for college degrees and believes education plays an important tool in larger opportunities to assist their families still in Burma and plan for a future with children of their own. With inadequate documentation, the couple worked at numerous jobs throughout Malaysia, including baking, selling shoes, bartending with wages equivalent to $300 US dollars a month. Scared and excited at the same time, the couple shared it feels like they just came to the United States yesterday. Their advice to other couples struggling in assimilation is step forward to the challenge. “Do the right thing and don’t be scared,” Htu San, who stays in touch with her family of three other siblings and father still living on the border of Burma.
Both Asian ethnicities have experienced living in a refugee camp or exiled in another country. In addition to the past, both Asian cultures are experiencing obstacles in finding affordable housing and transportation issues. Other economic factors play a big role in finding well-paying jobs to support large families and increasing health care costs. Often the first job is entry-level, which comes with low pay, feeding a vicious cycle of poverty, according to Sabina Durmisi, match grant coordinator of Ecumenical Refugee and Immigration Services. Growing concerns evolved into distinct problems such as generational issues, pensions among the elderly and even dealing with customs of funerals. Generational issues exist between parents keeping with the country’s customs while children struggle to become more Americanized, leaving the old-school traditions behind. As the newer generation assimilates into the desired American culture, parents are alarmed about losing the language, especially those from Burma. As an effort to combat the loss of language, leaders from this community are developing classes for the weekend. There are efforts by the Karen churches (three in Denver area) to teach Karen classes on Sundays, Durmisi said. Among the elderly population of both groups, pension is approved to those who completed citizenship classes within seven years. Language becomes an issue when the elderly population struggles in learning English and all its nuances. But the elder population isn’t the only segment affected by the huge learning curve in languages. Those with limited education and younger generations struggle to learn the English language with all its slang and nuances of translation. “Language impacts everything,” Jamie Torres, from the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships with the City and County of Denver, said. It doesn’t matter what language. The Vietnamese, escaping internal conflict of their country, faced immense language barriers. “For example, I think language issues were the same for Vietnam-
The Bhutanese community The Bhutanese communities, who started resettling five years ago in the Denver/Aurora area, originated from Nepal. The religious affiliation is mostly Hindu plus those following the Christian faith. The food of Bhutanese consists of large rice platters while vegetables, fish, chicken and goat becomes a side complement. As part of their religious faith, loyal Bhutanese will not consume beef nor pork in the spicy, curry dishes.
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June 2013 | Cover Story
ese, Hmong etc. refugees in the 1980s. They had to overcome them with the same amount of hard work and over time. There are perhaps more ESL classes offered now but the simple fact is that it takes time to learn a new language. English proficiency is one of the biggest barriers - then and now,� according to Joe Wismann-Horther, Integration Program Supervisor of the Colorado Refugee Service Program from the State Department of Human Services. Asian groups, who have resettled years ago, can select from an increased offering of language classes. As a result of longer-time resettlement for this community, there are many individuls at these times who can help with translation in English, whereas only few years back it was almost impossible, Durmisi said. In burials and funerals, burying the dead is a costly venture. Finding a funeral home who will let the community practice their funeral customs such as public cremation as part of the funeral ceremony, burying the dead within 24 hours in some religions, or burying the body without a casket can be challenging at times, but this is a great way that the mainstream community has been working to accommodate these customs for the immigrant and refugee communities. To address these growing concerns, the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships and the Office of Community Support is forming a Mayor’s Commission for Immigrant and Refugees, with meetings that began this May. Other projects include finding a community center where refugee populations can congregate together in a family-type setting and practice their religious and traditional customs, Wisemann-Horther said.
Why settle in Denver?
The U.S. brings approximately 76,000 refugees from around the world, according to national statistics although it has been more like 56,000 in the past years. Denver is one of the receiving communities throughout the United States. Aurora, a large suburb of Denver, offers affordable rental prices in reasonable neighborhoods. Already, Denver shows a long-standing, growing and thriving Asian and Pacific Islander community. It is easy for anyone from Asia to resettle in Denver and its surrounding suburbs, Torres said. In addition, Denver offers the infrastructure to provide services to populations moving into the area. Services include job placement, language skills and health services.
Above:Wedding photo of a Burmese couple, the Lurs. Below:The Lurs in their home and with their possessions.
How can anyone help with the assimilation process?
The Office of Refugee Resettlement promises a set amount of funding to each state agency. The state agency in Denver is called the Colorado Refugee Service Program, also known as CRSP, which provides funding to several nonprofits in the Denver area. CRSP has determined set formulas in budget amounts. Already, three major nonprofit organizations assist in transitioning immigrants and refugees within the Denver area. Transitioning will contain cultural orientation and employment specialist for placement. They include: 1. Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain - www.lfsco.org 2. Ecumenical Refugee and Immigration Services www.ersden.org 3. African Community Center - www.acc-den.org
The three organizations are called primary resettlement agencies and their casemanagers handle large caseloads at any one time. They assist with Case management employment assistance, English language acquisition, housing: placement & furnishings, cash assistance, some immigration legal services, tutoring, financial literacy, and other classes, volunteer support. In addition to these nonprofit organizations, other organizations provide secondary support in enhancing language skills, citizenship classes,
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“For all the trouble and hardship refugees have been through and go through, they are much deserving of an opportunity to start life anew.” parent/teacher engagement within school systems, mental health support, or providing health access. These organizations include: • Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) • Colorado African Organization (CAO) • Emily Griffith • Jewish Family Services
“It takes a system,” said Meg Allen, Community Integration Director from the Colorado African Organization. “Organizations are networked to make it work.” Despite the system, Americans and long-time Colorado residents are encouraged to keep an open mind and be sensitive to details of Asian culture. For example, taking off shoes at the front door is a common practice to show reverence in some cultures. Another cultural faux pax is shaking hands between female and males in other cultures. Most times, greetings are nodding the head. Conservative dress is also encouraged as respect.
The work continues 16
It’s hard leaving a country, then moving on with a life foreign in cul-
June 2013 | Cover Story
From left: Eh Mu La, Pee Kay, Hser N Eh,Win Htway volunteer by canvassing in front of H Mart in Aurora during the 2010 Census. Photo by APDC.
ture and language. Put yourself in these shoes and understand what it would be like starting all over from scratch. Flexibility, learning new information and adapting are essential for surviving in a new country. “For me, immigrants and refugees represent some of the best American attributes in adaptability,” Torres said. It’s hard to ignore the figures and statistics. For more than 35 years, the United States has resettled about three million refugees, more than all other countries combined, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Stimulating the economic engine, more refugee families are purchasing their first homes in the U.S., Durmisi said. Asian buying power totaled $5 billion, a hike of 557.1 percent since 1990, according to
the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. Higher education and advanced degrees are becoming long-term goals for the younger generation, enabling them to gain the soughtafter skills needed for the workforce of today and becoming confident in their language skills. The number of immigrants in Colorado with a college degree rose by 45.8 percent between 2000 and 2009, according to figures collected by the Migration Policy Institute. Consider donating your time and money to these causes of promoting refugee and immigrant integration into the U.S. Check out the list of organizations in this article by visiting their websites. It’s a good starting point. Torres shared there are deliberate ways to volunteering or donate to resettlement agencies and post-resettlement organizations. “It is some of the best ways to make a difference in the community,” she said, adding that her government agency works in conjunction with these direct-service providers to assist these populations. “For all the trouble and hardship refugees have been through and go through, they are much deserving of an opportunity to start life anew,”Durmisi said. “In our country, they contribute their skills, talents, creativity, and hard work.” Other ways to support the efforts of promoting this work is supporting the current efforts of the city, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to become a “welcoming” metropolitan area to those embarking on starting a new life. At eight months, Mary Jeneverre Schultz left the Philippines and settled in the United States with her mother, Estrellita Herreria. From left: Boravy Tep, Ah Woo Jay, Su Baw, Michaely Rosas (APDC Adult Education Director), Shazia Mobarez, and Ana Maw. Photo by APDC from a multicultural commercial shoot for Channel 8.
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Lucky China 2000 S. Havana Street HOURS Aurora, CO 80014 Open 7 days a week Tel: 303.745.1373 11am to 9:30pm
Fried Catfish with Black Beans and Steamed Broccoli
Peter Bui Asian Avenue magazine
Jjamppong Seafood Noodles
Located in a busy shopping plaza in Aurora, Lucky China has opened its doors to attract more patrons by not only serving Chinese food but offering Korean dishes as well. Chef Cheng and his wife started working in the restaurant business in San Francisco where Cheng gained 30 years of knowledge and experience. Since moving to Aurora, they have learned and added Korean recipes to their repertoire. You can always find similarities between the flavors of Asian cuisines, often because of the cultural influences and blending of foods. Because of this, there can be multiple versions of similar dishes. Jjamppong for instance is a very popular Korean seafood soup but has Chinese origins by way of Japan. The word “Jjamppong” is actually Japanese for “mix” referring to the mix of seafood, meats and vegetables that can be found in its various versions. The Lucky China interpretation contains a mix of mussels, squid, shrimp, vegetables and noodles sitting in a tasteful broth made from anchovies. The standout ingredient here is the homemade noodles that Chef Cheng makes fresh every day. Dumplings are another great example of a food with multiple personalities. There’s Chinese jiaozi, Korean mandu, or Japanese gyoza—which all are similar variations of dumplings. Lucky China’s version falls somewhere in between. The deliciously fried exterior gives makes each crispy bite go just right with the juicy pork meat inside. Cheng provides his patrons with two menus: one in Chinese and one in Korean. The Chinese menu has entrees like the fried catfish tossed with toasted garlic and black beans served with steamed broccoli and the candied walnut shrimp served with a mayonnaise dipping sauce. The Korean menu has noodles like the aforementioned jjamppong and also the popular jjajamyun – noodles covered in a black bean sauce mixed with diced pork and onions. There’s even a third menu for take-out and deliveries—and an affordable lunch menu. A culture’s history can be found in their food; Lucky China does just that, presenting the best and most loved foods from two magnificent cultures. Dig into dishes from either menu. But if you go for noodles, remember to slurp as you eat as this is a sign of enjoyment and the best compliment that could be given to the chef.
Noodles with Sauteed Black Bean Sauce & Seafood $9.95 Curry Chicken $8.55
menu.
Ma Po Tofu $7.75
Chinese Style Udon Noodle Soup $8.95 Scallops with Broccoli $8.95 Chicken on Hot Sizzling Plate $10.25 Scallops & Chicken in Garlic Sauce $10.25 Scallion Beef with Rice $11.95 Candied Walnut Shrimp
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June 2013 | Restaurant Peek
Deep Fried Chicken in Spicy Sauce $12.95
menu.
Choo Chee Salmon
Tod Mun Pla $7.95 Deep fried fish cake with cucumber salad Pad Ma-Khua $8.95 Stir-fried eggplant, onion, bell pepper, soy bean paste and basil in garlic brown sauce Pad Ped Pla Duk (Spicy Catfish) $12.95 Stir-fried deep fried catfish filet, green beans, bell peppers, kaffir lime leaves, young peppercorn and basil with red curry paste Jungle Curry $8.95 Red curry cooked with bamboo shoots, green beans, pumpkin and basil Moo Yang (Thai Style BBQ Pork) $8.95 Thai style grilled marinated pork Pla Tod Panang $14.95 Deep fried whole or filet tilapia topped with panang curry sauce
Peter Bui Asian Avenue magazine
Tumrup Thai
10890 E Dartmouth Ave, Unit C Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303.369.0266
HOURS Tues – Fri: 11am to 9pm Sat – Sun: 12pm to 9pm Closed Monday
Thai cuisine, like other Southeast Asian cuisines, is excellent at balancing flavors and spices. The use of sweet, sour, salty, spicy and the unique use of curry powder all help create powerful flavors that are present in almost every bite. Tumrup Thai focuses on these flavors by using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients to create its authentic dishes. In a cozy little spot in Southeast Aurora, Chef Tieng and her husband have taken over what used to be Thai Pepper II to continue providing its customers with excellent food. When asked the secret to making their dishes, Tieng simply answers, “No secret, just passion.” And she has been carrying out that passion for some time. Tumrup, meaning “recipe” in Thai, centers their menu on traditional dishes such as Larb Pla Tod – deep fried tilapia tossed with red onions,
mint, roasted rice powder and topped with a spicy lime dressing. The combination creates vibrant, contrasting flavors. Another fish plate, Choo Chee Salmon, covers salmon filets in a red curry sauce made with coconut milk and kaffir limes forming a sweet and savory profile. These are all traditional dishes says Nan Phanitsuda, employee and close friend. The authentic flavors make her reminiscent of home. The key is to use fresh ingredients like fresh lime juice never from concentrate; this is a common theme in everything made. Tumrup Thai also has its own specialty creations like the Tumrup Thai Chicken. Juicy nuggets of chicken are fried and tossed with tamarind juice, vegetables and cashews. Each dish is unique but can come in similar levels of
heat. Mild is for the novice, and for the smoke eaters, Thai hot can kick up any dishes flavor. If it gets too spicy, cool down your palate with sweet Thai Tea or order the delicious Fried Banana with Ice Cream, a banana dipped in a light batter and then rolled in coconut chips before being fried. It is served with a side of ice cream made of coconut milk and fresh shredded coconut shavings. This dessert provides for a light and refreshing finale to any meal. The staff and owners make patrons feel they are part of the family. This is how they remember Thailand—cooking and serving food they grew up eating. Tumrup Thai is a great place for someone looking for a familiar taste of home or someone looking for a taste far from home.
Larb Pla Tod - Deep Fried Tilapia
Moo Yang - Thai Style BBQ Pork
Fried Banana and Ice Cream
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2013 JASC Japan Cup:
Planting the seeds of international relations through academic Brenda Velasquez competition For Asian Avenue magazine
On Saturday April 27th, the fifth annual JASC Japan Cup was held at the University of Denver campus in which high school and college students participated in a Japanese language and culture competition. The event was administered by the Japan America Society of Colorado (JASC) and the competition’s questions were compiled by an officer of the Colorado Japanese Language and Education Association (CJLEA), Setsu Kawada, who is also a professor of Japanese Language at the University of Denver. The JASC is a private non-profit membership organization whose programs focus on promoting a mutual understanding between the people of Japan and Colorado at a grassroots level, developing projects such as the Japan Cup to teach Coloradans the foundations of Japanese language and culture. The CJEA, also a membership organization is a teacher fellowship which enhances the quality of Japanese language and culture education in Colorado by assembling teachers of each category so they can share information and resources. With approximately 100 attendees and 120 participating students, the 2013 JASC Japan Cup commenced at 8 a.m. and well into the afternoon, finishing at 4 p.m. with a formal awards ceremony. Doors were opened to the public starting at 12:30 p.m. for the competition’s Final Round. Family and friends of participants watched as the giant screen canvas behind the small stage displayed questions and images. A three-panel judge sat beneath the podium in front of the contesters, quietly discussing their answers and silently raising X and O signs (incorrect and correct, respectively). The JASC Japan Cup competition is comprised of four levels: high school teams of at least two students compete in the first three levels (each level increasing in difficulty) while the last level is reserved for college students. This year, the participating schools included Boulder High, Eaglecrest High, Smoky Hill High (the 2013 Level 2 and 3 champions), CU Boulder and Colorado State University (the 2013 Level 4 champions and grand prize winners). Eighth grade students may enter the competition if their Japanese language proficiency is equal to that of a high school student with one year’s Japanese language study. And sure enough, this year’s Level 1 champions included Rachel Lie, age 14 from Laredo Middle School. The small-framed girl mounted the stage in a red robe and chopsticks in her hair, holding the golden, chalice-shaped trophy up high. Half-Chinese in descent, Lie explained her passion for Japanese language and culture which began only two years ago. “My sensei told me about it,” said Lie. “It seemed most interesting to me because my background is Chinese but if I can’t take Chinese then I’ll take Japanese,” said Lie, referring to Laredo Middle School’s absence of Chinese as a foreign language class. At a short stature, Lie expressed her competitive edge. June 2013 | Feature
“I was interested in the thought of being able to compete in a subject I enjoy,” said Lie. “I did a lot of studying on my own. Now I’m ahead of the class; I know more than what’s required.” What does this young champion plan to do in the future? “I want to be a dancer when I grow up and tour the world.” Lie has yet to visit Japan, but says it will be her first stop. As an officer of the CJLEA’s Question-Making Committee, Kawada single-handedly composed the list of questions for the 2013 JASC Japan Cup. The categories ranged from grammar involving kanji, katakana, proverbs and idiomatic expressions, to verbal communication where students were asked to translate sentences, to geography and culture. The extensive list tested the students on Japanese political, artistic, international and economic history. Alongside the formal categories, Kawada added questions that revolved around anime and manga under the topic of popular culture. “It always has to be fun,” said Kawada. “If they are enjoying it, they will keep engaged and have more interest in Japanese culture.” But Kawada has approaches such Japanese popular culture with a scholarly lens, studying the relationship between anime and Japanese language in order to develop an efficient teaching strategy for her students, a strategy she calls ‘putting anime into practice.’ “Watching anime doesn’t really help students learn formal Japanese language, but it gets them interested in the culture, and when they are interested in the culture, they want to learn the language,” said Kawada. “Students get so excited when they see a question about anime.” Kawada further explained how anime has become a valid area of academic Japanese cultural study; the government itself has acknowledged the entertainment medium’s far-reaching grasp. “The Japanese government supports anime as a source for exporting culture,” said Kawada. According to Kawada, just as Americans have expressed interest in Japanese culture, Japanese are eager to learn about their American counterparts. “In Japan, learning English has been established as a priority by the government for all citizens,” said Kawada, referring to the introduction of compulsory English lessons for elementary students in Japan, an educational initiative launched in June 2011. “And everybody knows what’s going on in the States,” said Kawada. “In Japan, news is different than it is here; the first news is always about the States and Obama.” The mutual interest in cultural education makes the JASC and the CJEA assets to the American Colorado community. As these two associations partner up, they provide Americans in Colorado with a rich reservoir of Japanese culture; their joint initiatives like the annual Japan Cup encourage interest in Japanese culture and provide a venue for youth to develop knowledge and appreciation for the language and society-seeds that may someday blossom to yield future U.S.-Japan ambassadors.
Top: Teams compete inside DU Sturm Hall’s classrooms during the preliminary rounds. Photo by Dan Bihn. Middle: Contestants turn around to see the next question displayed on the auditorium screen. Photo by JASC.
This September will mark my 22nd wedding anniversary. And the only thing I keep asking myself is - how the heck did that happen?
5
The
Rules To A Successful Marriage
Wayne Chan www.waynechan.net
I’m not complaining, mind you. It’s been an amazing adventure right from the start and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. But boy, did that go fast. Twenty two years ago I was playing in a tennis league every week. Now my son is the one playing in a league. But in our family, twenty two years is just a drop in a bucket. My mom is going to a family reunion next month and asked me to scan in a bunch of pictures of her brothers and sisters and put a video together for the celebration. In the middle of scanning some wedding photos I suddenly realized that of all my uncles and aunts - six on my mother’s side and 17 on my father’s side, not a single divorce. Not a one. I’ve read studies that show that the divorce rate for Asians is around 5%, about 45% lower than the national average. Some people say that it’s due to the importance Asians place on family. Others say that culturally, divorce is frowned upon which is why couples will endure just about anything before they decide to divorce. This all may be true - I don’t really know. All I know is what works for me and my wife Maya. A few days after our wedding, my father in law, a gentle and decent man, decided he should give me some words of wisdom on how to have a successful marriage to his daughter. I remember his advice as clear as day. He said, “Son...at some point Maya is going to get angry with you for something you did. My advice to you is that when it happens, leave her alone for a while. Don’t try to fix the situation. Just leave her alone and not talk about the problem until later. That’s what I would do.” I was definitely moved by his advice. This dear, sweet man had taken it upon himself to do what he could to get our lives together off to a strong start. He was absolutely sincere and I could see that his advice was heartfelt. He passed away a few years later, but I never forgot his words of wisdom. It’s been 22 years now, and I definitely took his advice. When Maya would get angry, I gave her some space. I didn’t talk about why she was angry or what I could do. I’d let her calm down first. After all these years, I still remember his words. I followed his advice. If somehow I could turn back time and reach out to him, or maybe communicate
with him now, wherever he is up there, I’d want to tell him: Father Hu, thanks for taking the time to help me. And if there is one thing I could say about your advice to just not talk about the problem Maya has with me when she’s angry, I would tell you - it doesn’t work!” “In fact, if anything, it just makes things worse! She gets more and more mad, and accuses me of not dealing with the problem! The more I stay quiet, the angrier she gets! I would say that giving her her space and not talking about the problem is the absolute, 100% opposite thing of what I should do! Every time I’ve tried it I’ve regretted it! What the heck were you thinking when you gave me that advice?!?” And before you ask, no, I don’t think he was secretly trying to break us up. Anyways, now that I’ve been married 22 years and have 15 year old triplets, I feel that I am now qualified to provide some advice of my own. The least I can do is to impart some of my wisdom to my children who will someday marry the partner of their dreams.
Here’s what I would say to them: Some day you’re going to meet the special someone in your life. And when that day comes, I want you to know that a successful marriage only works if you work at it. Therefore, based on my own 22 years of experience, I would like to share the five rules to having a successful marriage.
1
Your anniversary is important. Remember that date. Write it down somewhere. Tattoo the date on your arm if you have to. At my house, I own a parrot and have taught it to say, “Don’t forget about September 29, you idiot! Squak!”
2
If your wife becomes very quiet and when you ask her if there’s anything wrong and she say’s “Nothing”, you are in serious trouble. Immediately think of everything you’ve done in the last 24 hours. Immediately recall all the things your wife told you not to do. Compare and contrast those lists. When you come across a match - bingo.
3 4 5
Arguing to prove you’re right is rarely ever worth the effort. On the other hand, buying a bouquet of flowers only takes a few minutes.
When she’s asking for your opinion, don’t reply by saying, “Is this a trick question?”
Record the Sunday football game. This allows you to say, “Sweetie, would you like to go antiquing? I can always watch the game some other time.” Trust me - it’s worth it. And finally, in 30 years or so, if any of my advice seems to backfire on you, all I can say is - take it up with grandpa. He started this. asian avenue magazine
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U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor helps dedicate Jon Sarché new Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center Colorado Judicial Branch
up in a small town where I knew the shame and dishonor of race hatred. I grew to despise it because it threatened the happiness of you and you and you.” Some people moved to Colorado because of Carr’s stance, said Bob Fuchigami, 83, whose family was interned for three years at the Amache camp in southeastern Colorado. “He would have supported any other American under the same circumstances because he was just that kind of person,” said Fuchigam. Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael L. Bender said Carr “is somebody we all should be inspired by and live up to.” “The Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center stands tall as a monument to the rule of law, a museum of the rule of law and a modern and efficient courthouse,” Chief Justice Bender said during the ceremony. “It symbolizes the protection of the oppressed and stands as a guardian of the aspirations of all of us.” Also attending the dedication ceremony was Adam Schrager, a former television news reporter in Denver whose 2009 book “The Principled Politician: Governor Ralph Carr and the Fight against Japanese American Internment” brought a new level of awareness to Carr and his beliefs. Carr’s three granddaughters also were in the audience. “The thought that went into this building … they didn’t leave anything out,” said the youngest of the three, Ruth Anne Bauer of White Bear Lake, Minn. “It’s an honor.” Justice Sotomayor said the building shares the same mission as the U.S. Supreme Court building: to convey the permanency of the rule of law. The Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center, authorized by a 2008 bill enacted by the Legislature and former Gov. Bill Ritter, houses some 1,200 employees of the Judicial Branch and other legal- and court-related agencies, consolidating offices that had been scattered in numerous buildings around the Denver metro area. The Law Library and Learning Center in the building are free and open to the public during normal business hours. The Judicial Branch encourages people to tour the building, use the library and Learning Center, and view the many Governor Hickenlooper introduces Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as Colorado works of art installed there under the Colorado “Art in Public Places Program.” Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Bender looks on. Photo by Gil Asakawa U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shared a little-known fact about herself while speaking to hundreds of people who gathered May 2, 2013, at the new Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center for a formal dedication ceremony. She’s an architecture buff, she said, and thinks of buildings as having souls. “They shape the experiences of people who work and live in them,” Justice Sotomayor said, comparing the building in downtown Denver to the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. “If the soul of the law is treating people with equal dignity, these buildings possess it.” With that remark, she captured the reason the Colorado Judicial Branch named the building for the state’s 29th governor, a Colorado native whose unpopular stance against the internment of JapaneseAmericans during World War II cost him a promising political career. Carr was one of the few people – let alone politicians – to voice opposition to internment. “If you harm them, you must harm me,” he said. “I was brought
Asian Roundtable of Colorado celebrates heritage month Peggy Yujiri
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Asian Roundtable of Colorado
he Asian Roundtable of Colorado and over 300 guests commemorated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on May11th with their annual community celebration at the Wells Fargo Building in downtown Denver. The purpose of the event is to educate the society at large about Colorado’s Asian Pacific cultures, to build bonds of community among ethnic groups and to highlight the contributions and successes of the Asian Pacific communities. A buffet luncheon was donated by local restaurants. Kim Nguyen of 7 News , as master of ceremonies, introduced the entertainers included Catur Eka Santi, performing the music of the Balinese shadow play, Yo-Yo students of the Colorado Chinese Language June 2013 | On Scene
School, the Filipino American Community of Colorado Dance Troupe, performing the traditional Pandanggo and Tinikling dances and the Aurora Symphony Orchestra’s Brass Quintet. Dignitaries in attendance included Congressman Mike Coffman, Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan, Secretary of State Scott Gessler and Eric Hiraga, Deputy Manager for Aviation at DIA representing Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. The Asian Roundtable has been organizing this celebration every year since the 1990’s, soon after Asian Heritage Month was established by the U.S. Congress. It is a free event and open to the whole community.
Kudos to the organizing committee, including co-chairs Lily Shen and Peggy Yujiri, entertainment chair Peter Lee, silent auction chair Cecilia Hill, Gloria Williams, Sum Nguyen, Patty Coutts, and Yang Chee.
JASSC hosts another fun-filled Japanese Children’s Day
Andrew Vierra
Japanese America Society of Southern Colorado
T
he Japan American Society of Southern Colorado’s annual celebration of Kodomo no Hi, Japanese Children’s Day, was met with a roar of children eager to learn more about Japanese culture and have fun along the way. The event, hosted by Colorado College, on the morning of May 4th, featured arts and crafts, games, a judo and ninja demonstration, and a koto performance. The martial arts demonstrations put on by Jushinkan Judo Dojo and by Kashiwa Bujinkan Ninja Dojo were a huge hit! The koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, was masterfully performed by Bea Brecht, a rare treat for those attending the event. Kids even got to try their own hands at the instrument and learn the basics of the traditional Japanese art. After participating in activities like traditional Japanese calligraphy, children were rewarded with stamps which they could
Photos by James D. Brecht
trade in for fun and/or delicious prizes like the Japanese soda ramune. The concluding gala fashion show put on by all the children in kimono and in martial arts uniforms - followed by a fierce samurai in armor - put a final special touch to a truly enjoyable and wonderful day for all in attendance. For many of the children, this event was an opportunity to explore or reencounter their heritage and share stories of their experiences in Japan. The children were not the only ones having a good time. For everyone taking part, this was certainly an invaluable experience.
Annual Amache pilgrimage visits former concentration camp
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he former concentration camp is a one-square-mile place where nearly For Asian Avenue magazine 8000 people were imprisoned. Although the concentrated residential area is now the foColorado’s southeast corner is only a little cus of interest, it was just a small fraction of more than two hundred miles from Denver, the sixteen-square-mile area known in govbut it is much further from most of us than ernment documents as “the Granada RelocaLas Vegas, Disneyland or Washington DC. tion Project.” More of us have probably been to those places The fifteen square miles outside of the than to the once-bustling Town of Granada or barbwire-enclosed housing area was used to to the former concentration camp for persons cultivate crops and to raise hogs and cattle. of Japanese ancestry that is now known by the The many properties that the U.S. governsimple name, Amache. ment consolidated to establish the “project” The historical Amache was the Native were some of the area’s richest farmland: the American wife of John Prowers, the early rich bottomlands near the Arkansas River rancher for whom Prowers County is named. and bordered on the south by the railroad. Amache’s father was a Cheyenne leader, one The virtually hidden tracks running of the hundreds of peaceful men, women, and through the huge militarily-secured agrichildren who were slaughtered at nearby cultural operation raises serious questions Sand Creek by the Colorado militia in 1864. about the corruption that could have occurred along those railroad sidings in the middle of a ten thousand acre government-controlled concentration camp. Idle conjecture? No. There are many documented accounts of food — especially meat, milk, butter, and sugar — that was meant for prisoners being stolen and sold on the black market before reaching the many camps situated all the way from the west coast as far inland as Arkansas. It took forty years of tireless effort to Ikuhiko Ono, Consul-General of Japan and his wife Eiko force the United States to admit the injusOno, visit Granada High School and Camp Amache. tice of imprisoning 120,000 of us with toPhoto by Amache Preservation Society
Marge Taniwaki
tal disregard for constitutional limits to governmental authority. Even then we suffered the indignity of receiving an apology from a president, Ronald Reagan, who supported genocidal death squads in Central America and who refused to oppose apartheid in South Africa. In contrast, our efforts at preservation of historic memory met with the unexpected involvement of local high school students from the Town of Granada in preserving and restoring the site with the guidance of local high school teacher, John Hopper. In addition, historic preservationists, interested individuals and former internees have joined us in our efforts. The Sand Creek Massacre site is about thirty miles northwest of the Amache concentration camp site. Though long neglected, the paired sites of human rights abuses by the U.S. government are now protected: Sand Creek under the purvue of the National Park Service and Amache by historic designation. The once-verdant fields in the photographs of the WWII years have gone, leaving in their place a rural community whose survival is at stake under the double threat of a shrinking population and by the worst drought since the 1930’s “Dust Bowl.” Those who could be the grandchildren of our keepers have become our allies: together, we invite you to join us in keeping historic memory alive. asian avenue magazine
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Gloria Koshio: Creating Audio Textbooks for the Visually Impaired Phil Nash
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For Asian Avenue magazine
loria Koshio is the April 2013 recipient of the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award. Koshio was nominated by the Denver studio of Learning Ally (formerly known as Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic), a national organization that publishes audio textbooks for people with visual disabilities. In Denver, about 250 volunteers help produce the audio books, which are used across the country. Koshio is a standout volunteer, according to her nominators. A retired human resources director for Gates Rubber Company, Koshio joined Learning Ally’s Denver studio in 2009. After passing a proficiency test on the strict protocols for recording complex textbooks, Koshio was certified as a solo reader and a trainer for other readers. She has also mastered technical skills to ensure quality control. Koshio spends six to nine hours weekly at Learning
Ally where she applies her versatile skills to optimize the recording and production process. She is also one of the top volunteer fundraisers for the organization. A longtime volunteer and leader, Koshio has served on the board of Craig Hospital, as a trustee at the Colorado Outward Bound School, as an officer for the Working Women’s Golf League and as president of the Meadow Hills Estates Home Owners Association. She also volunteers for MATHCOUNTS and the Center for Work, Education and Employment (CWEE). “Gloria exemplifies the trend among many career professionals to bring high levels of skill and experience to our nonprofit community after retirement,” said Jackie Norris, chair of the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award Committee. “She is a star player on a large team
of volunteers who publish audio books at all academic levels, making possible for thousands of visually impaired individuals to achieve their educational goals.” Koshio received the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award on April 25, 2013 at a ceremony held in her honor at the Denver Marriott Tech Center Hotel. Koshio designated the $2,000 monetary gift that accompanies the Award to Learning Ally.
Miss Asian American Colorado hosts annual BBQ: Ladies can sing on the mic and play football on the field Annie Guo
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Photos by Dao Than
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June 2013 | On Scene
Asian Avenue magazine
ow in its sixth year, the Miss Asian American Colorado (AACO) Leadership Program organized its annual community BBQ on Sunday, May 19th this time with a twist! At Amherst Park in Westminster, the BBQ took place while Stephanie Vi Nghiem hosted the “Sounds for the Strong” Benefit Concert, inviting local performers to sing and dance. The young dancers from Ni Shang Dance Academy entertained the audience and Daniel Cha performed on the violin. Proceeds from the concert were donated to the Cancer League of Colorado. Nghiem is the 2012 Miss AACO and is passionate
about helping children diagnosed with cancer. Also new to this year was a Powder Puff Football Game between the 2013 program candidates and the returning alumni (past program participants). The two teams competed in a flag football game that concluded the BBQ event. Supporters cheered and rooted for their favorite team, but in the end, the alumni dominated and won the game. The Miss AACO Leadership Program culminates in a Finale Show on Sunday, June 23rd at Colorado Heights University Theater. For more information, please visit www.missaaco.com.
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he University of Denver Asian Student Alliance (ASA) concluded Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with its biggest event of the year, eXpressions. eXpressions, held on May 15th, showcased the talents of students, community locals, and out-of-state performers, primarily Asian-Americans, but also welcomed those of other diverse backgrounds. In hosting the event, the students seek to provide an outlet for aspiring performers to express themselves whether with a side hobby or a dream profession. The seats of Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall began to fill as DU student Cassandra Chanthavong stepped onto the stage with her guitar and vocals. ASA Internal President Craig Hirokawa and External President Vanessa Teck welcomed the
audience; then Tracey Adams-Peters, Director of the Center for Multicultural Excellence & African American Services excited the crowd with her roaring energy. The Jubilee Project, a 501c3 that makes videos for a good cause, presented their vision to produce entertaining content that will empower, enable, and inspire others to do good as well. The featured entertainment, Gowe, brought the audience to their feet as he performed his hip hop set. Gowe is an artist from Seattle who believes that music is a medium that can connect people of all different backgrounds and beliefs. Lastly, graduating seniors were recognized with hugs, roses and decorated paddles. The passion of the students permeated the auditorium. Their message was clear: We are Asian American. We are the movement.
eXpressions takes the stage for sixth year
Past and present members of DU ASA
ASA Presidents Craig Hirokawa and Vanessa Teck Jason Lee, Eric Lu and Eddie Lee of the Jubilee Project
Photos by Nancy Lien
Generation Connect workshop discusses communication issues in Asian-American families
Parents answered questions asked by teens about how to communicate cross generations.
Students from APDC’s Youth Leadership Academy share their paintings.
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A painting activity led by Dao Than provided an opportunity for creative expression.
he Generation Connect workshop held on May 4th at the Daniel’s Fund, brought together young people and adults to discuss an important issue in Asian-American families—the lack of communication, dialogue and understanding across generations. Asian-American high school students expressed difficulties speaking to their parents, as well as language barriers and cultural factors. Discussions were facilitated by Annie Guo, as the young people posed questions to a parent panel. Jennifer Nguyen presented issues around Asian-American mental health; and Dr. DJ Ida, Executive Director of National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, shared her expertise on mental health resources. The workshop culminated in a painting exercise led by Dao Than that exhibited creative expression as another form of communication. Generation Connect encourages both parents and children to reach out and seek support and help when needed. asian avenue magazine
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Chances of immigrating to U.S. improve for Pinoy vets’ children
Asian Americans Join Thousands To Rally For Immigration Reform
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he rally began at the West Lawn of the US Capitol. It was organized by the Alliance for Citizenship and other advocacy groups across the nation. “America’s strength is its diversity–people are welcome to come here from all over the world,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). “Their ex-
periences and cultures contribute to our national identity, something that is constantly changing and uniquely American.” She added: “That’s why we need a roadmap to citizenship for aspiring citizens. Families are a bedrock American value, and as we move forward with immigration reform, keeping families together must remain a top priority.”
Indian American Vivek Ranadive buys U.S. basketball team
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ndian American software magnate Vivek Ranadive, who has become the first person of Indian descent to be the owner of a major US basketball team, plans to build the Sacramento Kings into a global brand. “It’s going to be exciting,” he told the reportors after securing an agreement to buy 65 percent of the Kings for a National Basketball Association (NBA) leaguerecord valuation of $535 million. “We’re going to build a global brand with the Kings. We’re going to give the fans the product that they deserve,” the minority owner of Golden State Warriors said on achieving his longtime goal.
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hen Justin Lin first embarked on the “Fast & Furious” franchise, there were days when he had trouble getting past the security guards at the studio’s front gates. “I don’t look like a director,” he says, by which he means partly his age but mostly his ethnicity. Lin, a Taiwanese American, was still enrolled at UCLA when the first “Fast and the Furious,” directed by Rob Cohen, hit theaters in 2001. Lin took over the director chair from “Fast & Furious 3”. He has made last three films earned over $1.1 billion at
To promote healthy eating among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Chef Ming Tsai have teamed up to film a cooking demonstration in the White House kitchen featuring healthy and traditional Asian recipes that follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations that support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate food icon. The video can be viewed here: youtu.be/BKKF-HryVsg. June 2013 | National News
he Senate judiciary committee by voice vote agreed to include the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification amendment to a landmark Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIB) bill that will be considered by the full Senate next month. The amendment introduced by Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono aims to speed up the reunification of veterans who have become naturalized Americans and their adult children still living in the Philippines. Naturalized citizens who petition for their adult children or siblings generally have to wait for at least a decade in order to be reunited with them. For some countries such as the Philippines, the waiting period is as long as 23 years . About 20,000 adult children of living or deceased Filipino-American war veterans who have approved petitions to immigrate will have immediate priority in getting visas once the bill is passed by the US Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.
Billion Dollar Filmmaker: Justin Lin
New Video Demonstrates How to Cook Traditional Asian American and Pacific Islander Dishes in a Healthy Way
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the worldwide box office, “Fast & Furious 6” is in the No. 1 position at the Memorial Day weekend box office. Lin credits Universal for allowing him to take bigger and bolder risks with each film. That made it hard to turn down the offer to direct the planned seventh “Fast” film.
NINA NEEDS A BONE MARROW MATCH
Nina Louie, a wife and mother, is in dire need of a bone marrow transplant. Nina is currently undergoing continued chemotherapy to treat the disease lymphoma. Because of her Asian heritage, finding a bone marrow match has been very challenging. There will be two marrow drives in Santa Clara, CA in honor of Nina. Call your friends in CA to help. Learn more at www.savenina.com.
ASIAN CUISINE Volcano Asian Cuisine 10440 E. Arapahoe Rd. Centennial, CO 80112 Tel: 303-662-8111 | www.volcanoasiancuisine.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
SUPERMARKET M Mart 2000 S. Havana St. Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303-695-4803
Jaya Asian Grill 1699 S. Colorado Blvd. #B Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303-757-7887 | www.jayagrill.com
Star Kitchen Seafood Restaurant 2917 W. Mississippi Ave.Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303-936-0089 | www.starkitchendenver.com
Pacific Ocean Market Place 6600 W. 120th Ave. Broomfield, CO 80020 Tel: 303-410-8168
John Holly’s Asian Bistro 2422 S. Downing St. Denver, CO 80210 Tel: 303-722-8686
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Pacific Ocean International Supermarket 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #2B Denver, CO 80223 Tel: 303-936-4845
Japon Sushi and Japanese Cuisine 1028 S. Gaylord St. Denver, CO 80209 Tel: 303-744-0330 | www.japonsushi.com
VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Celestial Bakery, Deli & BBQ 333 S. Federal Blvd. #128 Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303-936-2339
Sumo Sushi - All You Can Eat Sushi 2353 S. Havana St. | Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303-695-7787
Pho Ta 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #38 Denver, CO 80223 Tel: 303-922-7888 | www.photausa.com
Vinh Xuong Bakery 2370 W. Alameda Ave. #15 Denver, CO 80223 Tel: 303-922-0999
KOREAN RESTAURANT
Saigon Landing Vietnamese Cuisine 6585 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Tel: 303-779-0028 | www.saigonlanding.com
BAKERY
BOBA/CAFE
Seoul Korean BBQ Restaurant 2080 S. Havana St. Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303-632-7576 | www.seoulkoreanbbq.com
Lollicup 1589 S Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303-504-6022 | www.lollicupdenver.com
Seoul BBQ & Sushi 2 311 West 104th Ave. Northglenn, CO 80234 Tel: 303-280-3888
CHINESE RESTAURANT
SPA/MASSAGE
China Taipei Chinese Restaurant 8100 S. Quebec St. #B-14 Centennial, CO 80112 Tel: 303-773-0155
Vogue Day Spa 2760 S. Havana St. #OP Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303-752-6606 | www.voguespa2.com
Empress Seafood Dim Sum Restaurant 2825 W. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO 80219
Tel: 303-922-2822
HYL Massage 3945 E. 120th Ave. #B Thornton, CO 80233 Tel: 720-929-2222
Red Coral Restaurant 1591 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303-758-7610
Min’s Massage 2200 W Alameda Ave. Denver, CO 80223 Tel: 303-936-6265
Make your search for a dream home a reality! Get the best Denver real estate advice available, see a better property search, find homes quicker, and attain market knowledge and statistics of neighborhoods Tony Touch | Real Estate Agent Porchlight Real Estate Group Tel: 303.905.2830 E-mail: tony@porchlightgroup.com Web: www.ttregroup.com
Miracle Touch
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Summer Memberships Available Classes Ages 3 & Up
720.253.7473
www.coloradobudokan.com
Massage & Reflexology 30 min Foot Massage $15 30 min Back Massage $20 60 min Foot & Back Massage $25 60 min Back Massage$35 Our massages soothe aches and relax your body. Restore balance and rejuvenate your energy at an affordable price!
Mon - Sun: 10am to 10pm 1004 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303-936-3888
HYL Health-Youth-Life Humble table, wise fare
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Foot Massage 60 min $25 Full Body Oil Massage 60 min $30 Deep Tissue Massage 60 min $39.99
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3945-B East 120th Ave. • Thornton, CO 80233 • Mission Trace Shopping Center
Expires: 06/13/2013
Open 7 days a week • Appointments/Walk-Ins Welcome
A Futile Attempt
Plowing the Sands and Sowing the Waves
徒劳无功 It happened in the Spring and Autumn time. Once when Confucius planned to travel from the state of Lu to the state of Wei, his disciple Yan Hui asked a man named Shi Jin: “My teacher goes everywhere trying to sell his ideas. He tries to pursue others to take his stand. But wherever he goes he is met with refusal. What do you think of his trip to the state of Wei?” Shi Jin shook his head and said, “He won’t succeed.” Yan Hui asked why. Shi Jin answered, “Let’s draw an analogy. Boats are the best means of transport on water, and carriages are the best means of transport on land. A boat cannot be used on land. There’s a great difference between today and the old days. Your teacher’s intention to practice what are things of the past is like trying to propel a boat on land. It’s a futile attempt.” - The Book of Zhuang Zi
Calligraphy by Harrison X. Tu, Confucius Classroom in Denver
YOUR SOURCE FOR SUSHI-GRADE FISH FOR OVER SINCE 1944
PACIFIC MERCANTILE COMPANY
65 YEARS
Fine Asian Foods & Gifts
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Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM, Sunday 9:00AM - 2:00PM 1925 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202 | Phone:303-295-0293 | FAX:303-295-2753 20 28
June 2013 | Chinese Idiom
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Please have offer validated at the player’s club or cashier services. Must be 21 and have a player’s card to redeem. 401 Main Street • Black Hawk, CO 80422 1-800-THE-ISLE (843-4753) • www.theisleblackhawk.com © 2013 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 and have a IsleOne ® card. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at Isle Black Hawk. Gratuity is not included. Limit of one coupon per person per day. Management reserves all rights. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
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