Asian Avenue magazine - January 2021

January 2021

Volume 16 | Issue 1

What’s on the table for chinese new year?

2021 chinese zodiac

2021

Lunar New Year Year of the Ox

WE ARE

OPEN

TUES FRI: 9am - 6pm SAT: 9am - 1pm

MYDENVERCHIROPRACTOR.COM

AUTO INJURY? CAR ACCIDENT? IN PAIN? COME SEE US TODAY! We specialize in: car accident, slips & falls, worker compensation, victim assistance, neck & back pain

AURORA

DENVER

1350 CHAMBERS RD. 50 S. FEDERAL BLVD. AURORA, CO 80011 DENVER, CO 80219

303-577-2040 TRIFECTA Promotion

303-922-2977

DTC 7800 E ORCHARD ROAD #350A GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111

303-990-0150

WHEAT RIDGE 7200 W. 44TH AVE. WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80033

303-423-1925

1) FREE Care to front-line workers 2) FREE Pain Evaluation Screening to our Community 3) CARE program special of $120 for exam, x-rays, first and second adjustments Our Covid-19 Community Support Program are for a limited time ONLY. Strict Covid-19 procedures are in place.

WE ACCEPT MEDICAID, MEDICARE AND TRICARE.

PRESIDENT’s NOTE Happy new year to all our readers!

First, I would like to thank the community for coming together to donate 260 holiday gift bags to our local seniors. In collaboration with the Asian Pacific American Bar Association, we delivered to Happy Living Adult Daycare and Sunset Towers, as well as directly to the homes of Asian seniors in our community. Grateful to see such generosity to end 2020!

As we welcome 2021, we present you our annual Lunar New Year (LNY) edition. Unlike past years where this edition is full of LNY events, we don’t have any to share this year! For Asian Avenue, we will have to cancel our annual celebration. Instead we have put together a LNY box for you to celebrate at home with festive decorations, Year of the Ox red envelopes and charms, and snacks. These boxes include $50 worth of gift certificates from local businesses: Truong An Gifts, Mason’s Dumpling Shop, Seoul Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Kokoro Restaurants and Saranya Cooks Thai. Learn more about what’s in the box on page 5. We hope this box brings some LNY joy to families across Colorado in celebration of the Year of the Ox! In this edition, our Inside Story section, which features local businesses and organizations, highlights the work of outstanding AAPIs in our state. This includes Andy Juy, an interior designer from Thailand who has started his own design company in Denver; Starr Luu, an acupuncturist, herbalist, and owner of Treatment Center; as well as local organizations: Asian Chamber of Commerce and Asian Real Estate Association of America. Learn more about the impact that they are making for our communities!

Lastly, be sure to check out what your 2021 Chinese zodiac sign has in store for you! As an ox myself, I am looking forward to some peace and quiet this year, with opportunities for new partnerships. And looks like I need to get a lot more red underwear! Lunar new year begins on February 12, 2021. Wishing you all good health and happiness!

Annie Guo VanDan, President | Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com

ADVERTISE WITH US IN ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE LISA NGUYEN

Bilingual in Vietnamese

LISANGUYENREMAX.COM

143 Union Blvd. Suite #120 Lakewood, CO 80228 Direct: 303-985-4555 Cell: 303-669-5255

lisanguyen@remax.net

WITH VARIOUS AD SIZES AND FLEXIBLE FREQUENCY, WE CAN WORK WITH YOUR BUDGET.

MARKETING@ASIANAVEMAG.COM | TEL: 303.937.6888 WWW.ASIANAVEMAG.COM ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNTS FOR NONPROFITS AND FIRST TIME ADVERTISERS! President’s Note | asian avenue magazine

3

JAN 2021 5

INSIDE STORY

FEATURE: Celebrate the Lunar New Year and support local businesses with our Asian Avenue Box of Goodies!

15

16

COVER STORY

6 8

12

14

Lunar New Year - Year of the Ox

18

What’s in store for you in 2021?

Check your Chinese Zodiac sign!

What’s on the table for Chinese New Year?

20 21

Denver families celebrate lunar new year

Asian Chamber of Commerce helps business community Andy Juy Designs specializes in modern and contemporary looks Bodhi Treatment Center’s Starr Luu provides acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine consultation Asian realtors unite to ensure fair access to home ownership Denver Language School offers Chinese language immersion

16 Asian Avenue Magazine

Find us @AsianAveMag #AsianAveMag

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 1 YEAR 12 Issues for $25

Get each issue sent to your home or business!

MORE THAN 60% OFF EACH ISSUE! P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888 Email: info@asianavemag.com Follow Us! @AsianAveMag

4

January 2021 | Table of Contents

2 YEAR 24 Issues for $40 Payment Enclosed Bill Me

President Annie Guo VanDan Editorial Director Mary Jeneverre Schultz Graphic Designer/Videographer LIJIN ZHAO Web Designer JASON ZHANG Marketing Manager Joie Ha Marketing Coordinator LINA ZHU Staff Writer Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer Jessalyn Herreria Langevin

on the cover Sisters Sophia Zhao (age 9) and Kaylin Zhao (age 5) celebrate the lunar new year in their traditional Chinese dress called qipao.

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.

6

P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com www.asianavemag.com

Publisher & Founder Christina Yutai Guo

Looking to promote your business? Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses a costeffective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call 303.937.6888 or e-mail us at marketing@asianavemag.com for our media kit and ad rates. Send story ideas to info@asianavemag.com.

Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

www.asianavemag.com Name Address City/State/Zip Cell E-mail Comments

Please send a check payable to Asian Avenue magazine.

Mail to P.O. Box 221748, Denver, CO 80222.

Visit www.asianavemag.com/subscribe to pay with Paypal or credit card.

Mason’s dumpling shop

$10

$10

truong an gifts

KOKORO Restaurants

$10

$10

$10

seoul korean bbq & hot pot

Saranya cooks thai

Celebrate the Year of the Ox

Decorate your home with Chinese couplets and decorative fireworks. Put the Year of the Ox charm on your keychain, in your car or dangle it on your plants.

Hand out red envelopes (filled with money, coins or chocolate) to the young ones. Place the lucky cat in a prominent spot to bring good luck to your family. Enjoy your new year dinner with chopsticks and sake! And snack on the mochi rice cake and Pocky sticks!

Get an Asian Avenue box that includes $50 in gift certificates to local Asian businesses plus all the essentials to celebrate lunar new year at home with loved ones!

Ring in the new year with sake!

ASIAN AVENUE LUNAR NEW YEAR BOX

Each purchase supports local asian businesses: truong an gifts & pacific mercantile

$45

Learn more at asianavemag.com pick up At truong an gifts in the far east center or delivery options

$85 value box

Sold through Feb. 28, 2021

Limited supply.

Order early!

Year of the ox charm

Lucky Cat LNY Decorations

red envelopes set of 5 chopsticks Lunar New Year Box | asian avenue magazine

5

Lunar new year 2021 celebrates the year of the Ox. Chinese new year celebrations last up to 15 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (February 11–17, 2021).

The Ox is the second of the 12 zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order of the zodiac animals would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. Ox was almost the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

Oxen are hard-working, intelligent, and reliable, while never demanding praise. In Chinese culture, the Ox is highly valued because of its role in agriculture with positive characteristics such as honesty and dependability.

Chinese New Year Origin In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián (年). It lived at the bottom of the sea and would come up to eat livestock, crops, and even people on the eve of the lunar new year. On this day, the villagers would escape into the mountains.

One year, a beggar came to seek shelter, but everyone was hurrying away. Only an old woman took him in and he promised to chase Nián away. He then decorated the homes with red papers. At midnight, Nián lumbered in but stopped when he saw the red paper on the doors.

As it roared in anger, firecrackers suddenly sounded and he trembled in fear. When he saw the beggar, dressed in red, he ran away with fear.

The villagers came back the next day and were pleasantly surprised that the homes were all still standing. They realized that loud noises and the color red were Nián’s weaknesses. This is why, on New Year’s Eve, families decorate their houses with red decorations and set off loud firecrackers at night.

6

January 2021 | Cover Story

Fortune Has Arrived Chinese people also decorate their homes by hanging up certain words and phrases. The most common word is Fu, which means happiness and good fortune. It is written in calligraphy onto a square piece of red paper that are then pasted onto walls, doors, and windows.

Fu is often incorporated into other decorations, such as paper cuttings and paintings. As a play on words, many like to put Fu upside down.

The word for “upside down” (倒 / Dào) is a homophone of “here” (到). This pun represents that good fortune is coming or is already here.

Origin of Red Envelopes During Lunar New Year, referred to as Tết in Vietnamese culture, children receive red envelopes filled with money. According to legends, there used to be an evil spirit named Sui (祟) that would appear on New Year’s Eve and pat the heads of sleeping children. The children would end up with a fever. Even if they recovered from the fever, they’d never be the same again.

One couple entertained their child with some coins at night. When he fell asleep, they placed the coins on red paper and left it by the child’s pillow. When Sui came, the coins flashed and frightened it away. From then on, parents would give children money wrapped in red paper every New Year’s Eve to ward off the bad spirit.

Lanterns

The Spring Festival celebration spans a total of 15 days, with different activities for each day, culminating in the Lantern Festival (元宵 / yuán xiāo). There are many styles of lanterns, from basic shapes like spheres to lotuses and even dragons! Some people write the word Fú (福), poetry, or other calligraphy on the lanterns before releasing them.

The Kongming Lantern (孔明灯 / Kǒngmíng dēng), named after Confucius, is especially important during the Lantern Festival. People write down wishes on each side of the lantern and let it fly to the heavens, hoping their wishes will come true in the new year.

Red Underwear Tradition Your zodiac animal year is called your benming year (本命年 / běn mìng nián). During that entire year, you’re prone to catching the attention of demons, meaning you may endure more misfortunes and obstacles than in other years.

The way to protect yourself is to wear red underwear. During the Liao Dynasty, the benming year was also known as rebirth. People would celebrate their rebirth with a ceremony conducted by a priestess.

To diminish or avoid bad luck, make sure to wear red underwear! And have many pairs, since it is best to wear them every day.

Year of the Ox

February 12, 2021 – January 31, 2022

Lunar New Year | asian avenue magazine

7

Chinese Zodiac 2021 8

January 2021 | Cover Story

Tiger

Rat

1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2

2021 is a year full of prosperity that will support any activity or motion in the Rat’s career. Although it’s not something characteristic for this sign, the Rat might take some risks during this year, which could lead to financial profits from unexpected sources.

In 2021, their sense of observation and self-preservation make

s

them deal perfectly in times of crisis. In 2021, Rats will

Ox

generally enjoy an excellent state of health, by being active, which helps them to stay in shape and to fight any possible diseases.

1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Rabbi

1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999,

In 2021, those born under the Ox sign will go through a period they probably haven’t enjoyed in a long time, full of peace, quiet and well-being in the relationship of the couple and in everything that means developing partnerships and important relationships.

Professionals will be rewarded financially for their diligence and skills. The family will play a significant role in his/her life. People in business can start new partnership ventures. Normal life will be disturbed with useless travel and additional social activities.

The

ger

21 20

Dragon

Lunar

1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

New

86, 1998, 2010, 2022

Year will begin on 2021 will be a lucky year for

February

Tigers should be brave enough

comes with a lot of responsibilities, with

diac 2021. New ventures should be postponed,

discipline, and a very rigorously planned and

1!

02

years in their lifetime as per Chinese zo-

,2 12

to face one of the most challenging

Dragons, but the New Lunar Year

and there is no place for speculations. All your plans

enforced lifestyle. 2021 can also bring unexpected

might awry due to obstructions from others in power. Your

changes and spectacular career changes. Dragons will

stubbornness will result in unnecessary confusion and confron-

not be ready now to make serious commitments. In 2021, the

tations. You can minimize the damage by facing adverse

Dragon will have a promising career. Those born under this

situations with patience and calmness. Otherwise,

sign will be able, more than ever, to use their analytical

bbit

your problems will multiply. Take heart. This is a temporary phenomenon.

Snake

skills for strategies to complete their projects during the Ox Year.

1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

87, 1999, 2011, 2023

The Rabbit will face delays in the execution of his projects in the year 2021. But eventually, they will be completed. You should not expect too much from others. Be prepared for disappointments in spite of your diligence. Do not make any radical alterations to your plans. Lovers might face problems in maintaining their relationships. Health will pose a few issues due to stressful situations. The Rabbits will have to negotiate these difficulties with great skill and discretion in this Chinese Year of White Metal Ox.

Good fortune and luck are in store for those born in the year of the Snake. 2021 will be a year of building, anchoring, and concretizing some older wishes and ideas that couldn’t be put into practice until now. The most valuable advantage will be communication, through which you can improve relationships and solve older conflicts with relatives. In 2021, Snakes should be cautious with their money but generous when it comes to friends and family. Approach your career with limited risks this year. Do not make hasty decisions.

2021 Chinese Zodiac | asian avenue magazine

9

Horse

Monkey

1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Dreams, aspirations, and person-

Monkeys, you m

al connections will be essential for

this, but the yea

ant for you becaus

Horses in the coming year. 2021 will find

answers to the most

you with special energy and so many ideas that you want to put into practice. Your friends and

questions. You will succe

the people close to you will be very helpful, offering

the best path. Your wishes w

you support in everything you plan on doing. Your optimism and self-confidence will be at a high level. You will have faith

Goat

accomplish your plans. Don’t let anything stop you from your ambitions in 2021!

best solutions. Also, you

Rooster

friends, whom you wi them the best

1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

The Year 2021 will be a highly complicated year for the Goat/ Sheep. There might be confusion, fights,

2021 is a lucky

This is the year o

and personal autho

and financial problems. You might be unable to

ing to be very organiz

find new prospects. Life will be boring, tedious, and un-

and responsible. The Ye

exciting with dull jobs. The family atmosphere will be stressful for the goat and requires a lot of attention. If you are a member of a social organization, you can get help from your friends to face these challenges.

The last quarter of 2021 will bring some relief to your hardships.

January 2021 | Cover Story

increasingly more self-confi

in other people, which will be an ingredient necessary to

1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

10

ment, exactly when you need i

fortune in finances. Althou

order, Roosters will manage to

achieve everything they wa

desire for change, whethe

country, or changing t

about others in

1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

keys, you might not believe

The Dog Horoscope predicts a

but the year 2021 is import-

lucky year for 2021, a year full of

ou because it will help you find

energy, a year when the Dog sign will

the most intimate and profound

get involved in many different activities. 2021

u will succeed in finding balance and

will be a very important year, in which Dogs will

ur wishes will come true at the right mo-

have special opportunities to progress, to change their

you need it. Throughout 2021, you will gain

plans for the future, and to trace new directions, both in their

e self-confidence, and you will find the

s. Also, you will be a real help to your

om you will encourage by offering

m the best pieces of advice.

personal and professional life. It is very important to plan

Pig

everything with great care and pay attention to projects that may fail. There is a major risk of losing money and becoming indebted in 2021.

1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

is a lucky year for Roosters. the year of regaining power

onal authority. Roosters are go-

ry organized, disciplined, efficient,

ible. The Year of the Ox offers good

ces. Although some sacrifices will be in

manage to surpass their own strength and

ng they want. Roosters may have a great

ge, whether it is relocating to another

changing their job. Be sure to think

ut others in these decisions.

2021 is favorable to investments for the those born under the Pig sign. Your professional life will be favorable and you can expect positive developments right from the beginning of 2021, which include receiving more interesting and satisfying work, followed by promotions. This will also be a year of friendship and fortune in love. Those who are single will get married, those who are married will be happier in their relationships. However, Pigs might face some health issues in 2021, so a diet regimen is recommended.

What’s in store for 2021?

Dog

2021 Chinese Zodiac | asian avenue magazine

11

What’s on the table for Chinese New Year?

Family is the basis of the Chinese society, which is seen through the significance placed on the New Year’s Eve dinner (年夜饭 / Nián yèfàn) or Reunion dinner (团年饭 / tuán niánfàn). This feast is extremely important to Chinese families. All family members must come back home. If they truly can’t make it, the rest of the family will leave their spot empty and place a spare set of utensils for them. In the legend of the Spring Festival’s origin, this was the time when the monster Nian would come and terrorize the villages. The people would hide in their homes, prepare a feast with offerings to the ancestors and gods, and hope for the best.

Spring Rolls : Wealth Spring rolls (春卷 Chūnjuǎn) get their name because they are traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival. It is a New Year dish especially popular in East China. Spring rolls are a Cantonese dim sum dish of cylindrical-shaped rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or something sweet. Fillings are wrapped in thin dough wrappers, then fried, which gives them a golden-yellow color.

Chinese Dumplings : Wealth With a history of more than 1,800 years, dumplings (饺子 Jiǎozi) are a classic lucky food for a new year, and a traditional dish eaten on Chinese New Year’s Eve, especially popular in North China.

Chinese dumplings are made to look like Chinese silver ingots (which are not bars, but boat-shaped, oval, and turned up at the two ends). Legend has it that the more dumplings you eat during the New Year celebrations, the more money you can make in the New Year.

Sweet Rice Balls : Family Togetherness Sweet rice ball (汤圆 Tāngyuán) is the main food for China’s Lantern Festival, however, in south China, people eat them throughout the Spring Festival. The pronunciation and round shape of tangyuan are associated with reunion and being together, which is why Chinese families enjoy them during their new year celebrations.

12

January 2021 | Cover Story

Good Fortune Fruit : Fullness and Wealth Certain fruits are eaten during the Chinese New Year period, such as tangerines and oranges, and pomelos.

They are selected as they are particularly round and “golden” in color, symbolizing fullness and wealth. Eating and displaying tangerines and oranges is also believed to bring good luck and fortune due to their pronunciation, and even writing. In Chinese, orange (and tangerine) is 橙 (chéng), which sounds the same as the Chinese word for success (成).

Shrimps/Prawns : Happiness and Good Fortune Prawns are also a huge staple in Chinese New Year meals because its pronunciation in Cantonese (har) echoes the sound of ringing laughter. According to tradition, when you eat it, you will be filled with happiness and laugh ‘har har.’ The more you eat, the happier your family will be in the new year.

Longan : Family Abundance and Togetherness The quintessential Chinese fruit longan (whose name means ‘dragon’s eye’ in English) look great arranged in a fruit bowl, and can be eaten post-meal as a refreshing palate cleanser. Longan possesses leathery exterior ‘skins’ and translucent, juicy interior flesh, surrounding a shiny dark seed. They’re eaten for superstitious reasons of family abundance and togetherness.

Red Envelopes : Good Fortune and Blessings Red envelope or 红包 (hóng bāo) contain money known as 压 岁钱 (yā suì qián). By giving the money to children, elders are hoping to pass on a year of good fortune and blessings. Another version is given by the younger generation to their elders as a blessing of longevity and a show of gratitude.

Fish : an Increase in Prosperity In Chinese, “fish” (鱼 Yú) sounds like ‘surplus’. Fish is a traditional dish on the Chinese New Year dinner menu. Chinese people always like to have a surplus at the end of the year, which makes them believe they can make even more in the next year.

Vegetable Dishes Spring is the season to plant new seeds. Traditionally, the Spring Festival is the best time to finish all the vegetables stored and preserved from the winter. Symbolic vegetables to include are: 1. Seaweed for wealth and fortune; 2. Lotus seeds which symbolize a blessing for many children and a healthy family; 3. Bamboo shoots that represent longevity, as well as going onward and up; and 4. Leek (韭 / jiǔ) which sounds similar to 久, meaning long and everlasting.

Glutinous Rice Cake : Higher Income or Position Glutinous rice cake (年糕 Niángāo) is a lucky food eaten on Chinese New Year’s Eve. In Chinese, Nian Gao sounds like “getting higher year-by year”. This means the higher you get, the more prosperous your business grows and you’ll see improvements in your life. The main ingredients of Nian Gao are sticky rice, sugar, chestnuts, Chinese dates, and lotus leaves. (Not pictured)

Enjoy your Chinese New Year’s Eve Dinner on February 11!

What’s on the Table | asian avenue magazine

13

Vy (age 5) and Mai (age 3) dress up in their Vietnamese attire Ao Dai last year to celebrate the Tet Festival (Lunar New Year)

>

Photo Credit: Linh England

>

Photo Credit: Chi Nguyen

Baby Cole (5 months old) is a part of a mixed family.

His mother enjoys sharing Vietnamese New Year traditions with his father, as well as passing family traditions down to Cole.

They love how Tet not only celebrates the new year, but ancestors as well.

>

Denver Area Families Celebrate Lunar New Year and Teach Cultural Traditions to their Children

During Lunar New Year, Maddox, Camden, Annie, and Izzie (pictured left to right) visit their grandparents and bring them fruits and gifts.

The family gets together to cook, eat and celebrate the upcoming year. They also enjoy going to Far East Center to watch the lion dances and join the new year festivities.

> Photo Credit: Heidi Phan

Photo Credit: Ivy Ngo

> Oliver at the 2020 Lunar New Year Celebration at The Far East Center in Denver

Dragon dances and little red envelopes are the favorite parts of Tet for sisters Maeve (age 1) and Cora (age 3)

> January 2021 | Cover Story

Photo Credit: Sou Pham

Ellie shows her li xi (red envelopes) Instagram: @ellieforthewin

Photo Credit: Elaine Giang

>

14

Photo Credit: Julie Nguyen Donovan

>

> Photo Credit: Daphne Aylett

>

Photo Credit: Dr. Katie Magstadt

Daphne Aylett teaches students in her son’s class at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School how to make goldfishes with red packets

Baby Orion (10 months old) sits with his 86 year old great-grandma, his bà co ngoai, in February 2020. Great-grandma has been isolated ever since COVID hit. She’s a warrior who still has a bullet in her leg from fleeing Vietnam with her husband.

The bullet is now too dangerous to remove so she has leg pain.

Brody (age 3) with mom Elaine Giang

Helping the AAPI business community

By Fran Campbell | President of Asian Chamber of Commerce | acccolorado.org

2020 can certainly be defined as an unexpected, unprecedented challenge to our health, to our economy, and to our concepts of racial equity. This makes our work at the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) more important now than ever. By the time the shutdown and stay-at-home orders began in mid-March – many businesses had already realized a 30-40% drop in revenue.

Simultaneously exacerbating this, our AAPI community was hit with a wave of anti-Asian bias that started with rude taunts and verbal abuse and ramped up by summer into threats, vandalism, and

Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Denver Director General Jerry Chang and Clarence Low in July 2020

2020 Achievements

• Hosted webinars, trainings, and virtual meetings on topics related to COVID-19 relief and recovery strategies; identifying financial resources; retaining or finding employment; and mental health guidance.

• Hosted the Annual ACC Gala in July 2020 as a “Gala-To-Go” event which served curbside meals from Member Asian cuisine restaurants and provided meals to the frontline medical and administrative staff at Denver Health.

• Established the Asian Chamber Foundation of Colorado which will provide academic scholarships and leadership and Board readiness training to AAPIs entering the workforce.

• Participated in a leadership role on the Denver Economic Relief and Recovery Council (ERRC) Strategic Partners Committee to ensure all recommendations meet equity standards.

• Provided assistance to ACC members, AAPI small businesses, and individuals applying for COVID-19 relief funds and SBE certifications.

• Worked with the Denver Economic Development & Opportunity Office to distribute full PPE kits to small businesses and partnered with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver and Mile High United Way to distribute over 100,000 PPE face masks to communities and individuals throughout Denver.

• Hosted the Annual ACC Golf Tournament at Fossil Trace Golf Club in October 2020 – an enjoyable day of safe, socially distant, outdoor activity for members and guests.

assault. All this, plus dire health concerns that changed how families live day to day, further impacted small businesses and employment.

The ACC responded early by making state and city leaders aware of the crisis AAPI small businesses were enduring.

Then, when the stay-at-home orders came out in March, the ACC made quick rearrangements and continued to provide culturally competent economic development and business opportunities for our members and AAPI community.

The ACC is both hopeful and pragmatic for 2021. We know that recovery is going to be difficult and slow, but it can be achieved.

We strongly encourage our small business and community partners to take advantage of every opportunity available.

Both the State and City offer several types of COVID relief. Many charitable foundations, non-profits, business improvement districts, and anchor corporations offer grants, loan assistance, in-kind contributions, and free consultations. It’s important to know that the majority of these relief programs are specifically intended for minority & women-owned businesses. And don’t forget the importance of having business certifications (no matter what type of business you own) that will put your business on the preferred vendor list for corporate and government contracts. Take advantage!

The function of a chamber of commerce is to promote and represent the business interests of a community. But the minority & women chambers of commerce (including the Women’s Chamber, Colorado Black Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, Colorado LGBTQ Chamber, and the Rocky Mtn. Indian Chamber) represent specific communities beyond boundaries of city and state. Especially in 2020, businesses and government agencies look to these chambers to ensure equity and inclusion. Our work with our respective business communities during the Census, COVID, a crashed economy, and racial protests couldn’t be more important.

This year was certainly not what I expected and the learning curve was short!

But, ironically, my first year was very re-

ACC Gala-to-Go Event at Twin Dragon in July 2020

warding. When I first stepped into this position over a year ago, my predecessor Clarence Low emphasized the importance of “connections”. I’ve witnessed how the connections of small and big businesses have proved the resilience of our AAPI community. It gives me confidence that we can get through this together.

I’m indebted to Peggy Moore, Travis Tom, and Clarence Low for their support; and to the ACC Board of Directors for their determination to help the community get through this.

Governor Jared Polis and ACC discuss how to support AAPI small businesses at Star Kitchen in March 2020

Asian Chamber of Commerce Staff

Fran Campbell, President/CEO Peggy Moore, Special Projects Coordinator

ACC Board of Directors

Travis Tom, Board Chairman, Wells Fargo Bank Rosanne Dutzer, Board Vice Chair, Dutzer & Co Don Cooley, Director, Transamerica Financial Advisors Lacey Golonka, Director, Xcel Energy Elizabeth Kim, Director, EY Mortgage Gregg Kunz, Director, Rocky Mountain Business Advisors Clarence Low, Director/Advisor, Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers Mary Monzon, Director, Hertz Rental Car Alyssa Nilemo, Executive Director, Asian Chamber Foundation of Colorado Jennifer Malpiede, Director, Denver Public Schools Sandeep Sapra, Director, FirstBank Joe Sinise, Director, Access Asia Tours Sherap Tharchen, Director, Minor & Brown PC Linda Yakota, Director, Janus Henderson

Asian Chamber of Commerce | asian avenue magazine

15

[

]

AJ Interior Designs translates client goals, brand, and culture into powerful environments built around people, processes, technologies, and business drivers. They are passionate about design, pay attention to details, and create functional spaces and beautiful designs.

AJ Interior Designs deeply believe thoughtful understanding is critical to solving today’s complex challenges and we combine this insight with aesthetics to create interior design spaces that are highly functional and exceptionally beautiful.

Andy Juy Andy Juy is an interior designer based in Denver. He was born and raised in Thailand and moved to the U.S. to study interior design in 2009. He has devoted his career to helping others achieve their dream home.

By Lina Zhu

Andy Juy Designs www.andyjuy.com | @andyjuydesigns 16

January 2021 | Inside Story

How has your family upbringing influenced you and your career?

Growing up, I watched my parents work hard almost every day from the early morning into the late night. My mom was a dressmaker and my dad fixed cars. My mom taught herself how to make dresses by watching other dressmakers do it. My dad never went to school, so when he first started fixing and painting cars, he worked at a car service company for a year without pay, only receiving three meals a day. He just wanted to learn and gain experiences there. Fortunately, he picked up those skills quickly after a year, and now runs his own company. As my parents were always working, I grew up with my grandparents from when I was born until I was about 10 years old.

My parents always say to do what you are passionate about: work hard, put your heart in it, and be responsible for your jobs and clients. When I encounter difficulties or feel scared, I think of my family who taught me to be fearless. My grandparents and parents have inspired and passed onto me talents which have helped me discover my career today.

In 2009, I moved to Washington, DC to study interior design.

Studying abroad in the U.S. was a dream of mine and I made it through college by saving, and working on campus as well as in restaurants. I love America and consider it as my second home, it was my dream to live in the US and I have achieved my dream.

Specializing in contemporary style and modern clean lines look

“

I enjoy helping clients figure out floor plans and how to use spaces efficiently.

I think about their lifestyle and requirements to create the space that they really want and can use effectively.

The odd space that they don’t know how to put the right furniture and decoration.

- Andy Juy In 2010, I went back to Thailand to work and to take care of my parents. In 2015, I came back to the U.S. and got married.

After living in Kansas City with my partner Brian, we moved to Denver. It was a challenge to live here without my family but I see my future here with my growing business.

When did you know that interior design was your passion?

I have liked art, painting, and drawing since I was very young. When I was 12 years old, my dad was building a house.

I sketched a floor plan for him and he was surprised by my design. After that, I liked to observe people’s houses and consider how to improve the design and make it look better. I was obsessed to see houses and put my inspiration into them.

What has been your favorite project?

Andy Juy (second from right) with his parents, sister and partner Brian in Phuket, Thailand

What are some of the services you provide?

I provide full-service residential and commercial design, full makeovers, and build from start to finish. This includes AutoCAD space planning, concept design presentation, 3-D pictures, furniture and lighting selection, materials and floor selection, window treatment selection, props and accessories, budgeting, staging, and more.

I have worked on all types of projects and designs. My favorite was a modern house in Wichita, KS with more than 21,000 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 2 bars, fitness room, and theater room. It was a mega residential project that I had the opportunity to design the interior and collaborated with an architect, engineer, and landscape designer. My client trusted my design vision and allowed me to create a unique design to reflect their style.

Andy Juy Designs | asian avenue magazine

17

Starr Luu is the owner and practice of Bodhi Treatment Center, which is committed to delivering the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine in a safe, ethical, and welcoming space for patients. Growing up as the only Chinese-Thai-American in her class in Glenwood Spring, Starr has struggled fitting in and finding her own identities.

She also explored different career paths but eventually found her passion in Chinese medicine and helping others.

What can someone expect that has never had acupuncture services?

First, I recommend all my patients to make sure they have a light snack or meal prior to attending the appointment. The treatment can be quite moving, both physically and emotionally, and can cause the patient to become light-headed if they’re on an empty-stomach or depleted. Secondly, I tell my patients to wear loose and comfortable clothing. I even encourage them to come in their pajamas if they desire. I want them to be as comfortable as possible!

Every treatment is a unique adventure. There is no set of rules that dictates exactly what an acupuncture treatment should be like. This is due to the fact that there are different variables involved for each case. Similar to differing personalities, each diagnosis presents a unique solution. For example, some days we experience joy, on others grief and anger. Every patient arrives with their own story to tell that particular day.

Some have a chief complaint of physical pain, some of stressors, anxiety, depression, or other mental/emotional issues.

Oftentimes, the core affliction involves the harmony between emotional and physical health, what we refer to as “Mind and Body.” The most important sensation I want every patient to experience is a sense of relaxation and calmness, which can be hard to find in our modern zeitgeist. I know it sounds a little counterintuitive to think that becoming a pin cushion could make one feel relaxed.

Believe it or not, acupuncture has been healing people for 3000 years. I provide a safe environment, where the patient is free to relieve stress, laugh, express anger or frustration, grieve, or just nap through their treatment.

18

January 2021 | Inside Story

Bodhi

Trea

I pride myself on building a trusting relationship with my patients because trust and communication is another part of the healing process. Overall, the patient’s comfort and acceptance of the treatment is of utmost importance.

What have you enjoyed most about being a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist?

Growing up, I had always dreamt about being a healthcare practitioner. I loved the idea of helping people get healthy and living their lives. My great grandpa was one of my inspirations. He was a rural medicine man near Guangzhou, China, and had made his own herbs and mixtures for everyone in the area. One day, while volunteering in a doctor’s office, I had seen a patient for the third time, and the patient did not show improvement. I asked the physician why he kept

reatment Center What was your experience like growing up in Glenwood Springs?

Glenwood Springs will always have a special place in my heart. Being the only Chinese-Thai-American girl in your class, you’re bound to stand out. I didn’t understand what racism or discrimination was at a young age. Being that it was a small town, all our classmates knew one another from K-12. In high school, I started to understand my physical and cultural differences from my classmates. By then, I felt included and became more extroverted. After graduating high school, I moved to Denver for college, which was a culture shock for me! I went from being the only Asian student in my class to a big city with huge groups of mixed cultures. My dad was the first member of our family to settle in the Valley in 1978. He was a Vietnamese refugee escaping the oppression of the Vietnamese Communist Party. He met my mom while on vacation in Los Angeles. A year later, my dad proposed to my mom and brought her to the Valley. Both my parents worked full-time jobs, saving as much money as they could, and founded their dream business in Glenwood Springs.

Photo Credit: Alexis Genevieve Maestas

prescribing medication instead of focusing on the root cause of the pain. The physician reminded me that pharmaceuticals were the only option in their scope of practice. After that day, I withdrew my pursuit of a career in medicine.

I ended up studying Traditional Chinese Medicine at Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder for 3.5 years. Today, I run my own practice, where I get to apply my experience and knowledge towards holistic healing, while simultaneously learning from each patient. I am grateful and privileged to work with people that allow me to assist them with their health journey. Some cases are very challenging, but extremely rewarding when the patients see improvement. It’s the greatest feeling in the world when your patients report to you that their 20-year-old health problem is no longer an issue, and that my treatments made the difference.

The trust that my patients have in me is a gift that I cherish and will never take for granted. Every day presents a new lesson, and every patient is my teacher. One of the most important lessons they teach me is that I truly love and am passionate about what I do.

Why do you believe in Chinese traditional medicine?

Throughout my journey thus far, I have seen Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) work effectively in treating a wide variety of afflictions including chronic/acute pain management, severe digestive disorders, common colds, and infertility. As a practitioner, we ask in-depth questions from our patients to understand the body as a whole.

TCM, focuses on balancing the yin, yang, qi, and blood of the body. For example, if someone has an abundant amount of yang in their system, this can manifest to extreme headaches, irritability, and even high blood pressure. If a person has a deficiency in blood, he/she may present with dizziness, fatigue, or even lack of focus. In the majority of cases, it is not as simple as treating just one of these components. Oftentimes, there is an imbalance of all four categories. It is the job of the practitioner to find the root cause and develop a treatment plan. Understanding the causes of imbalances leads to successful results. Ultimately, it is these results that prove the worth of the discipline.

See her services at: www.bodhidenver.com/services-1 Location: 1777 S. Harrison Street, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80210 ​​Tel: 303.668.7174 Email: s​ tarr@bodhidenver.com Bodhi Treatment Center | asian avenue magazine

19

Learn more at: areaa.org/greaterdenver

Asian Realtors in Denver Join to Help Families Achieve Home Ownership “Asian Americans have the highest household income and educational attainment, however their levels of home ownership are lower, which shows that gaps exist,” said Lisa Nguyen, President of the Greater Denver Area Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA).

AREAA is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community through homeownership.

“This is why we need an organization like AREAA to continue our fight for AAPI rights in the housing industry. Historically, agents, buyers, and sellers have endured discrimination in real estate,” continued Nguyen.

“Up until the 80’s, many AAPI agents weren’t even allowed to join local boards due to the color of their skin. We have come a long way in the past half a decade but still have a long way to go.”

AREAA creates a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that provide sustainable homeownership opportunities and serve the dynamic AAPI market.

The Denver chapter began in 2016 under founding president Dyllan Nguyen, and has grown to 60 members. Its members include realtors that speak many different languages and those who are wellversed in international business and how to work with foreign buyers and sellers.

Reflecting on 2020, Greater Denver AREAA Secretary, Sherry Cree said, “With the pandemic, people been focused

20

January 2021 | Asian Real Estate Association

on spending time with family at home.

Homes became schools, offices, restaurants, staycation spots and more. I believe this trend will continue, but I am looking forward to gathering with friends again.”

Despite the challenges of COVID, the local chapter pressed on with several events last year.

“We hosted a virtual Sake and Cigars event in which food, sake and cigar boxes were delivered to participants. We also had a sold out summer social at the Four Greater Denver AREAA Seasons Hotel rooftop, where we providBoard Retreat at Glen Eyrie Castle ed gift bags with masks, hand sanitizers and other items to keep the participants lifelong friends and business allies. I thinks safe. We ended the year with a board it’s important that we have a voice and a retreat at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado representation in our community as peoSprings to plan for 2021,” said Nguyen. ple of color.”

For realtor Aurelia Cree said: “As real estate Grinstead, she is looking professionals, we have a We have a shared forward to serving the shared responsibility in responsibility in community with a very promoting fair housing promoting fair diverse and dynamic and equal opportunities housing and equal team through AREAA to achieve the dream of opportunities to Greater Denver in 2021. homeownership beyond Grinstead said: “Joining achieve the dream of serving each client of ours. homeownership.

AREAA has opened a lot Greater Denver AREAA, proof doors and opportunivides the opportunity to be ties for me. I have increased my connec- a part of the greater lobbying force at the tion not just to the Asian population, but national level. Connection to AREAA Naalso to the community as a whole. This tional is sure to bring you wonderful nethas been beneficial for when I need to working and professional growth.” look for special services that benefit my “I love the fact that AREAA fights for susclients and my network.” tainable housing in the AAPI community.

“When you join AREAA not only will you I have developed relationships that have meet amazing people that will help you helped build my business and lifelong grow professionally but will also become friendships,” said Nguyen.

Denver Language School welcomes new learners Did you know that Denver has an award winning public charter school where your student can be fully immersed in Mandarin Chinese? Denver Language School (DLS) is Colorado’s only public K-8 early total immersion school offering Spanish and Chinese. Our educational model is research-based and data-driven; we are focused on academic excellence and cultural competence through language immersion.

DLS has been open since 2010 and we serve 890 students from all over the Denver metro area. We are a diverse school with a strong community. As a Denver Public School, DLS offers the same supports as many other public schools, including special education services, school counselors, student supports, and a gifted and talented program.

DLS is a high-performing school in the DPS portfolio and we have been recognized with the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award for exceptional student growth, and the

John Irwin Award for exceptional academic achievement over time. Our middle school is a top ten middle school within the DPS portfolio.

In middle school, students have a wide variety of choices for electives. They can also participate in clubs and our international travel program, and have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement exam in 8th grade. In addition, all 5-8th grade students participate in the Student Action Projects, which are focused on enriching student’s engagement, advocacy, and ownership over their learning.

Together with our Parent-Teacher Organization, DLS hosts many cultural events throughout the year, including a Night Market, an annual Chinese New Year Celebration, and a Dragon Boat team! Learn more about DLS at denverlanguageschool. org. If you’re interested in DLS, take a virtual parent tour, which is under the “Future Students” tab on the DLS website.

The DLS model is: Grades K-2 - 100% of the day in the target language; Grades 3-5 - 80% of the day in the target language; Grades 6-8 - 50/50 .

Denver Language School | asian avenue magazine

21

Law School Yes We Can Seeks to Expand Diversity in the Colorado Legal Profession Law School Yes We Can (LSYWC) is a unique pre-law diversity pipeline program established six years ago by the Honorable Christine M. Arguello of the Federal District Court, Denver, Colorado.

LSYWC is a multi-year team mentoring program for hard-working, low-income college students from underrepresented groups who aspire to become lawyers.

LSYWC Fellows are selected after a rigorous application process involving written responses to multiple essay questions, an interview with the admissions committee, and acceptance of a contractual responsibility for program participation. Fellow applications open in January 2021 and close in March 2021. See Fellow applications at: lawschoolyeswe can.org/infofellows.

Once admitted, each Fellow is assigned a 2 lawyer/1 law student Mentor Team which meets monthly for the entire college career of the Fellow. A Mentor is a knowledgeable and experienced guide, a trusted ally and advocate, and a caring role model for his/her Fellow. LSYWC recruits Mentors annually. Please visit the LSYWC website to apply to Mentor a Fellow. See Mentor applications at: law schoolyeswecan.org/mentors-1.

LSYWC has brought together almost 350 Mentors, including five Colorado Supreme Court Justices; more than 30 local, state and federal judges; attorneys; legal business professionals; and law students.

Each team of mentors works closely with its Fellow following the LSYWC curriculum and helping the Fellow identify pursuable goals, work through challenging situations, and develop the skills and relationships needed for growth and success.

LSYWC provides each cohort of Fellows with valuable skill-building workshops and facilitates exposure opportunities to prepare Fellows for success as future community, business and legal leaders. Some

22

January 2021 | Law School Yes We Can

of the key workshops LSYWC provides as resources to its Fellows free of charge are the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Emotional Intelligence Tests. LSYWC also arranges for Fellows to take a baseline Law School Admissions (LSAT) tests, an LSAT preparation course, and other pre-law workshops, some of which are presented by LSYWC Board Members, and others, by professors from CU Law and DU Law. All Fellows also attend a mini law school boot camp presented by CU Law. LSYWC workshops are customized by college year, e.g., Freshman attend workshops on topics relevant to their year such as college study habits and cover letter and resume writing; whereas Juniors would attend workshops on law school applications and the LSAT. In 2020, added new workshops focused on professional networking and strategic Law School approaches for underrepresented students. LSYWC also hosted a virtual Social Justice Panel examining the roles diversity and inclusion plays in the Colorado legal system. LSYWC is committed to increasing community outreach, with a focus on the API community, in partnership with the Colorado Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Ian Lee

Ian Lee, a LSYWC Class of 2019 Fellow and sophomore studying political science at Metropolitan State University of Denver, speaks to the impact of LSYWC, “Through this program, I was provided mentors that have given me amazing advice and opportunities that I otherwise would not know about, and for that, I am truly grateful. They have given me the opportunities and the tools to make my dreams reality. I would like to personally thank my mentors for helping guide me through this time of transition in my life.”

Johnnie Nguyen Additionally, one of the program’s mentors and current law school student, Johnnie Nguyen, shares his experience with LSYWC: “My experience mentoring for the Law School Yes We Can Program has been incredible. As a first-generation law student myself, I’ve been able to guide my mentee through the difficult and unique challenges that students like us face when chasing the American dream. My mentee is astonishingly bright, and investing in him has brought me tremendous joy. I am also grateful to have received mentorship myself from Judge Christine M. Arguello and one of the senior lawyers in my mentorship group.”

Learn more about the program at: lawschoolyeswecan.org.

H o l i day G i f t B a g D r i v e f o r C o l o r a d o ’ s S e n i o r S Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network and Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado (APABA) delivered 260 gift bags to local area seniors last December. Donations were received from community members including Julie Wilson, who donated 38 bags in honor of spreading generosity on her 38th birthday. Youth Creates and the International Leadership Foundation donated 60 bags filled with winter items and fun activities.

Great Wall Chinese Academy provided 50 gift bags, which included cards written in

Asian languages. GTG Marketing donated beanies and hats and the Asian Roundtable of Colorado donated 500 face masks.

Gift bags were presented to Chinese seniors at Happy Living Adult Daycare, Korean seniors in Aurora and east Denver, seniors living at Sunset Towers in downtown Denver, and the nonprofit A Little Help.

Thanks to the generosity of APABA, Bradford, Ltd., and LGBT Bar Association of Colorado, hot meals from Kokoro Restaurant and Hong Kong CafĂŠ were delivered to seniors at Sunset Towers and Happy Living

Adult Daycare, in conjunction with the gift bags. Other organizations that contributed to this community effort included: Denver Asian Real Estate Association, Sakura Foundation, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Boulder County Bar Association, Colorado Dragon Boat, and National Association of Asian American Professionals.

2020 was especially difficult for seniors, many of whom experienced higher rates of mental illness and anxiety due to the isolation. Thanks to the kindness of the community for bringing them much needed joy.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU For more information, visit www.cacendenver.org.

On Scene | asian avenue magazine

23

www.shopsidewalk.com There's never been a better time to support your community. Keep your dollars local.

Shop Sidewalk brings local products from local retailers to you at shopsidewalk.com

Truong An Gifts Photo courtesy of City and County of Denver/Evan Semon