Lunar New Year 2025
WHERE IS DENVER’S CHINATOWN?
ASIAN AVENUE - PRESIDENT’S NOTE
Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine
Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag
Happy Lunar New Year! Join Asian Avenue Magazine to celebrate at our second annual Lunar New Year On Havana Street Festival on January 26 at The Stampede in Aurora!
Dearest readers,
Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake! As we step into 2025, we are reminded of the Snake’s symbolism: wisdom, intuition, and transformation. These qualities encourage us to reflect on the past year while embracing the opportunities for growth and renewal that lie ahead. The Lunar New Year is a vibrant time to celebrate Asian cultural traditions—honoring our heritage, reconnecting with loved ones, and indulging in the delicious foods and rituals that make this season so special.
It’s also the perfect moment to consider our aspirations for the year ahead. Whether it’s cultivating healthier habits, giving back to the community, or pursuing long-held dreams, setting New Year’s resolutions is a powerful way to welcome the possibilities of 2025.
Denver will again come alive with Lunar New Year celebrations throughout January and February, offering countless ways to immerse yourself in the festivities. From lion dances and cultural performances to food markets and community events, these gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to experience the richness of our traditions and connect with one another.
Let’s embrace this season of renewal together and make 2025 a year to remember. Wishing you prosperity, joy, and inspiration in the year ahead!
ASIAN AVENUE TEAM
Publisher &
CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO President
GUO VANDAN Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ Graphic Designer LIJIN ZHAO
Videographer JADYN NGUYEN
Web Designer JASON ZHANG Staff
JESSALYN LANGEVIN
on the cover
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Asian Avenue on January 26 at the On Havana Street celebration at The Stampede in Aurora.
Photo Credit: Simply Hao
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
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4 PRESIDENT’S NOTE
7 COMMUNITY: She Kills Monsters opens on January 17 at Vintage Theatre
8 COVER STORY: Lunar New Year is celebrated in different ways across Asia
12 SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Linda and Jimmy Yip and their journey to helping rural schools across Colorado and beyond
14 SPOTLIGHT: Union Hall welcomes Jane Burke as the new executive director of the nonprofit arts venue
AVENUE
P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888
15 FEATURE: 2025 welcomes
18 RESTAURANT PEEK: Soul Bowl and Café Seoul warms bellies near DU
20 LEGAL COLUMN: What is estate planning and why is it important?
21 BOOK: The Lotus Shoes releases this month
22 ON SCENE: Denver Takayama Sister Cities participates in Denver’s Parade of Lights
Local Production Company Insight Colab Presents She Kills Monsters
Prepare to be transported to a realm of mythical creatures and unexpected adventures with Insight Colab Theatre’s production of She Kills Monsters. This thrilling play, featuring a dynamic cast and stunning stagecraft, promises to captivate audiences. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, drama, or simply love great theater, She Kills Monsters is a must-see event at Aurora’s Vintage Theatre. Don’t miss the magic—grab your tickets today!
“The overall tone for this production is a blend of both,” said director Samantha Saunders. “We hope to squeeze out all the humor this amazing play provides while also holding space for the really heartfelt and grounded moments.”
About the Play
Insight Colab
Recently branded, Insight Colab Theatre was previously known as Theatre Esprit Asia (TEA). TEA, founded in 2012 was Aurora’s first and only Pan-Asian American theatre company.
She Kills Monsters follows Agnes Evans as she embarks on an extraordinary journey after the tragic loss of her teenage sister, Tilly. Upon discovering Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, Agnes is thrust into an action-packed adventure within her sister’s imaginary world. Filled with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and nostalgic 90s pop culture, this high-energy dramatic comedy by acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen is a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior in us all.
“From the moment you walk into the theater we are hoping the audience experiences immediate immersion into the gaming/fantasy world,” Saunders said. “The set is not only on the stage but also on both sides of the audience.”
Insight Colab Theatre features plays with non-traditional, diverse casting while creating acting workshops to train the new generation of diverse actors along with a writer’s series to explore identity, race, and privilege.
“As Theatre Esprit Asia, we were founded by pan Asian American artists in 2013. Following our rebrand to Insight Colab Theatre in 2019, we are still run by an Artistic Board of pan Asian Artists,” Saunders said.
“We remain rooted in our culture and continue to spotlight inclusive, innovative, and inspiring works to illuminate our shared human experience. We contribute to the cultural landscape of Aurora, by continuing to cast our shows diversely, and continuing to create a safe space for everyone.”
Rehearsal for She Kills Monsters
From Left: Chrys Duran, Ava Arangua Francis, Lauren Bebernes, Sara Risner, and Darius Cade
how lunar new year is celebrated in asian countries
The 2025 Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Snake, begins on Saturday, January 29, 2025. Communities across the globe will come together to celebrate renewal, resilience, and prosperity as they welcome this significant occasion.
The Snake, often associated with wisdom, intuition, and transformation in Asian cultures, encourages us to embrace change and seek clarity in the year ahead. Homes will be adorned with vibrant red and gold decorations symbolizing good luck, while families reunite to share traditional meals that honor heritage and ancestors.
Fireworks will light up the night sky, warding off bad fortune, and the exchange of red envelopes filled with blessings of wealth and happiness will add to the festive spirit. From intricate lion dances in bustling streets to the warmth of family traditions, the Lunar New Year is a time to reflect on the past, cherish loved ones, and step forward with hope and determination for a brighter future.
While the exact customs and rituals vary, the holiday is widely associated with family, food, and honoring ancestors. Here’s an overview of traditions from several Asian countries:
China
Cleaning and Decorating:
Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck, then deco rated with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings symbolizing good fortune.
Family Reunion Dinner: A large meal featuring dishes like dumplings, fish (symbolizing surplus), and spring rolls is shared on New Year’s Eve.
Red Envelopes: Elders give children red envelopes (hóngbāo) filled with money for luck and prosperity. Lion and Dragon Dances: These performances are believed to ward off evil spirits.
Fireworks: Lighting firecrackers is a way to drive away bad luck and welcome the new year.
VIETNAM (TET)
Cleaning and Offering: Families clean their homes, visit ancestors’ graves, and set up altars with offerings.
Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: These sticky rice cakes are traditional foods, symbolizing gratitude to ancestors.
New Clothes: People wear new outfits, often in bright colors, to signify a fresh start.
First Visitor Tradition (Xông Đất): The first person to enter a home in the new year influences the family’s fortune, so they are carefully chosen.
Bánh Tét
JAPAN (SHOGATSU)
Though Japan now celebrates the New Year on January 1, some Lunar New Year traditions persist:
Cleaning and Preparing: Homes are cleaned, and special foods (osechi ryori) are prepared.
Kadomatsu and Shimenawa: These decorations honor spirits and welcome good fortune.
Shimenawa
Mongolia (tsagaan sar)
White Foods: Dairy products are central to feasts, symbolizing purity.
Respecting Elders: Families visit and offer respect to elders through ceremonial greetings.
Traditional Clothes: Mongolians wear deel, their traditional attire, during the festivities.
Malaysia, singapore, and indonesia
Celebrations in these multicultural countries often mirror Chinese traditions but include local influences:
Open Houses: Families welcome friends and neighbors, regardless of background, for food and celebrations.
Yee Sang: Tossing this colorful salad, a practice popular in Malaysia and Singapore, is believed to bring prosperity.
Lunar New Year On Havana Street 2024
Credit: Simply Hao
kOREa (seollal)
Ancestral Rituals (Charye): Families prepare a table with food to honor ancestors and perform bowing ceremonies (sebae).
Hanbok: Many wear traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) during the celebration.
Tteokguk: Eating a bowl of rice cake soup signifies becoming a year older.
Games: Traditional games like yut-nori are played.
thailand, cambodia, and laos (songkran)
Though celebrated later in April, these Southeast Asian countries honor the Lunar New Year with:
Water Festivals: Pouring water symbolizes cleansing and blessings for the year ahead.
Buddhist Ceremonies: Visits to temples for prayers and merit-making are common.
common themes across countries
Reunion: Family gatherings are central to all celebrations.
Food: Special dishes are prepared to symbolize health, wealth, and happiness.
Clothing: Bright, traditional outfits are worn to welcome the new year.
Superstitions: Actions during the new year (e.g., avoiding negative words or bad behavior) are thought to affect fortune for the entire year.
Korean Hanboks
Lunar New Year On Havana Street 2024
Credit: Simply Hao
Water Festival
Nathan Yip Foundation Honoring Linda & Jimmy Yip
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Your child comes home from college for Christmas break, filling the house with laughter and love. He goes out to celebrate with friends. Then, the unimaginable happens—the car he was in hits black ice. Six young people were in that car. Most survived with injuries, but Nathan Yip, Linda and Jimmy Yip’s only son, was gone. Christmas would never be the same.
Nathan was the heart of the Yip family. He was kind, compassionate, and wise beyond his years. During a trip to China, he saw the struggles of children in rural areas and felt moved to act. He asked his parents if they could help. “I remember him saying, ‘We can make a difference,’” Linda recalls. “And I told him, ‘Of course, we can.’”
When Nathan tragically passed
away in December 2001, the Yips faced unbearable grief. “It was so dark, and everything felt empty,” Linda shares. But they decided to honor Nathan’s dream. “Nathan wanted to help kids, so we chose to continue what he would have done,” says Jimmy.
In 2002, the Nathan Yip Foundation was born. Initially focused on rural China, the foundation later expanded its work closer to home, supporting underserved schools in rural Colorado. Over two decades, the foundation has distributed more than $1.4 million, transforming lives through scholarships, resources, and hope. “We are endlessly grateful to those who’ve supported us along the way,” Linda says.
The Yips have dedicated their entire lives to this philanthropic jour-
By Christine Chang Gillette
ney. This year, the Nathan Yip Foundation honors Linda and Jimmy for their unwavering commitment and dedication to Nathan’s legacy. As the Yips transition to the next chapter of their lives, Nathan’s Godparents, Stephanie and Kevin Tung will help in this process. The Tung’s have been instrumental since the beginning of NYF 23 years ago. “We want the foundation to continue serving communities for generations,” Linda says. “I hope Nathan would be proud of how his dream has touched so many lives.”
Join the Nathan Yip Foundation at their Chinese New Year Gala to celebrate Linda and Jimmy Yip and help continue the mission of changing lives, one child at a time.
Year of the Snake Chinese New Year Gala
February, 1, 2025 | 5:30pm – 10:30pm Grand Hyatt
1750 Welton St. Denver, CO 80202
Purchase tickets at: nathanyipfoundation.org
Celebrate the Chinese New Year, while supporting rural Colorado schools and students. This year we will be honoring the amazing couple that have made the Nathan Yip Foundation what it is - Linda and Jimmy Yip.
It is certain to be an evening you will never forget. The night starts with cocktails and appetizers, along with a diverse silent auction from 5pm to 6:30pm. And a sneak peak at our Night Market - so if you need to get the right festive attire you can!
Lion Dancers will then move the crowd into the ballroom, through fantastic snake-esque decorations. Hosted by Anne Trujillo (a recently retired, groundbreaking metro-area newscaster), the evening’s dinner will begin with a traditional Salad Toss (to bring good luck), a fantastic family-style Asian-inspired meal, red envelope sales, and then a short program highlighting teachers and students who have benefitted from Nathan Yip Foundation grants.
The evening will culminate by honoring Linda and Jimmy. Please help us fill the ballroom in honor of the Yips.
Union Hall Welcomes Jane Burke as Executive Director
Prior to this role, Jane Burke was the curator at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and a fellow for the Textile Art & Fashion department at the Denver Art Museum.
Photo Credit: Esther Lee Leach
Union Hall, the non-profit arts exhibition space located inside The Coloradan in downtown Denver, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Burke as its new Executive Director. Burke will oversee strategic and operational planning, fundraising, and the development of Union Hall’s art and education programs. She will also lead Union Hall as its chief spokesperson and expand community outreach through events and rotating exhibitions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jane Burke as Executive Director of Union Hall,” said Esther Hernandez, Chief Curator of Union Hall. “With her extensive experience in art curation for museums, galleries, universities, and non-profit organizations, we are confident she will take Union Hall’s programs to the next level and continue to grow opportunities for local artists across Denver.”
Burke comes to Union Hall from the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, where she served as Curator. Most notably, she curated its interdisciplinary presentation of agriCULTURE: Art Inspired by the Land (2023), which featured newly commissioned works by national artists in collaboration with Boulder County farmers.
Prior to this role, she served as a curatorial fellow for the Textile Art & Fashion department at the Denver Art Museum. Burke has also held curatorial and collections positions at the Honolulu Museum of Art, The Contemporary Museum, and The EastWest Center Gallery in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
Since opening its doors in 2019, Union Hall has built a community of ambitious new
creative minds who bring experimental and thought-provoking work to Denver’s cultural landscape through visual art exhibitions, accessible cultural programming, and educational pathways.
With the mission to advance opportunities for diverse, emerging artists and creatives, Union Hall provides a platform for Denver locals and visitors to engage in enriching exhibitions and creative experiences. Union Hall hosts seven exhibitions and over 50 events annually. In addition, Union Hall offers professional development opportunities for emerging curators through its Rough Gems Curatorial Program.
“I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director at Union Hall and to continue to build a strong foundation with the ongoing dedication and passion of the board and staff,” said Jane Burke, Executive Director of Union Hall.
“As both an experimental incubator for emerging artists and curators, and an accessible venue for innovative programming and events, I am especially excited to increase Union Hall’s community engagement to further integrate the arts into downtown Denver.”
Burke received a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art with an emphasis on painting from the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned an interdisciplinary Master’s Degree in Asian Art History and Mandarin from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
To learn more about Union Hall, visit UnionHallDenver.org
To welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, this woodblock print design commissioned from local artist Leilani Derr will be sold in an exclusive fundraiser for Union Hall. Each will be handprinted by Leilani Derr for $75-100. Learn more about the artist: leilaniderr.com
2025 is here! What are our community members looking forward to i the year ahead?
The start of a new year is a time of endless possibilities— a chance to turn the page, set fresh goals, and dream big. Whether you’re looking to embrace healthier habits, deepen your connections with loved ones, or finally tackle that passion project you’ve been putting off, New Year’s resolutions offer the perfect opportunity to realign with your values and aspirations. The key to success? Start small, be specific, and stay consistent.
This year, instead of overwhelming yourself with perfection, let’s focus on progress. Hear from local Asian Americans about their perspectives on the community, the new year, and the lunar new year ahead!
MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ
Editorial
Director
of Asian Avenue Magazine; Energy Efficiency Project Manager of Human Rights & Community Partnerships of Denver
1. How do you see the role of Asian American leaders in shaping the future of their communities?
Speak up even if it means getting out of our safe environment of silence.
2. What are your hopes for the Asian American community in the coming year?
We are teaching the next generation to not be silent any more.
3. How can we collectively work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all?
Build allies through family connections, professional network and circle of friends.
ALEXA DAVIS
Secretary of Aurora Asian Pacific Community Partnership
1. How do you see the role of Asian American leaders in shaping the future of their communities?
Asian American leaders have always shaped the future of our communities. There have been times in history when other have tried to stifle our voices, but our leaders are engaged and committed to our representation both locally and globally. With courage given to us by our ancestors, our leaders keep our people’s needs, history, and voices as part of the conversation.
2. What are your hopes for the Asian American community in the coming year?
We have collected more and more relevant data for our communities --- social, economic, and health metrics --- which will pave the way for intentional programs and services for our communities. In the coming year, I hope to see funds directed toward these programs and stamina within our community to bring these plans to fruition.
3. How can we collectively work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all?
Learning! When we broaden our knowledge and get to know one another, we can better relate to and consider others’ lived experiences. When we have that, we can advocate for one another.
JEFF LAU
Owner, Ten Seconds Noodles
Located On Havana Street
1. What are your personal goals and resolutions for the upcoming year?
My personal goal for this upcoming year will be to keep bringing more entrée, small food items like appetizers or what we call “street food” or drinks from my Hong Kong background into my restaurant for customers to try.
2. How do you balance personal and professional aspirations during this time of reflection?
For most owners, doing our best to be involved most of the time for the restaurant should be our aspirations. By saying this, no matter if it is a small thing or big thing, spending time to make my restaurant to get better always is what comes to my mind first.
3. What lessons from the past year will you carry forward into the new one?
With most of my friends that works in a restaurant or owns a restaurant, most of them were having a common topic like restaurant business is getting harder and harder with all the inflation, but just one thing in my mind will be always hoping something will come up good this year and the only one that will help you or your business to be better is yourself.
Alexa’s Family
LYNN TRAN
Owner, Omega Functional Health; Co-Founder, Denver Asian Mom
Extraordinaires
1. Do you see parallels between traditional Lunar New Year customs and contemporary global issues?
Yes, there are strong parallels, Lunar New Year traditions such as gathering with loved ones, offering gratitude, and focusing on renewals, mirror themes, that are deeply relevant to today’s global issues. In a world that’s more advanced and inundated with information than ever before, these customs remind us of the importance of building intentional, in-person communities. I deeply promote this in my professional work through brain-based holistic care at Omega Functional Health, where fostering connection and resilience is at the heart of healing. It’s also a core focus in the Denver Asian Mom Extraordinaries (DAMEs) group, where we celebrate cultural heritage, wellness, and empowerment through in-person gatherings that strengthen bonds and encourage personal discovery. Lunar New Year teaches us that progress doesn’t mean leaving behind the practices that ground us. Instead, it’s about combining the old and the new to build stronger, more connected communities – a lesson that resonates deeply in addressing today’s challenges.
2. What are your thoughts on the role of intercultural exchange in shaping a better future?
Intercultural exchange is a powerful tool for creating a more compassionate and inclusive future. It allows us to share traditional perspectives, and experiences, fostering mutual understanding and breaking down barriers. Through DAMES, I see how vital this exchange is --- not just for celebrating our Asian heritage but also for connecting with broader cultural and social narratives.
KIM NGAN NGUYEN Director of Digital Platforms, Colorado Public
Radio
1. How do traditional Lunar New Year celebrations influence personal goals and resolutions for the coming year?
I always make sure to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family to ensure that I remain close to them throughout the year. I don’t make an explicit New Year’s goal or a resolution to spend more time with my family, it’s just a value I live by and want to impart on my children as they get older and begin to explore their own personal values.
2. Are there rituals or practices associated with Lunar New Year that help set intentions for the future?
Absolutely! My mom used to say never clean the house or do any house work on New Year’s Day or you’ll spend the whole year cleaning. So I spend a couple of days before Lunar New Year cleaning the house for a fresh start -sweeping away bad luck and scrubbing out setbacks. I also buy flowers and fruits for the altar to thank our ancestors for paving the way and providing us what we have today.
3. How do you incorporate these cultural traditions into your personal and professional goals?
I think celebrating Lunar Year is about pausing and taking the time to be intentional. That is one of my personal goals --- to slow down and recognize where I am putting my energy and focus. Instead of being caught up in busyness, moving from one tasks to another, or being swept up in the tides from other, I am trying to be intentional with my attention.
Soul Bowl and Café Seoul
2337 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Tel: 720-914-7974
Instagram: @soulbowlandcafeseoul
Soul Bowl and Café Seoul
By: Mary Jeneverre Schultz
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11am to 8pm Available on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub
Craving Korean cuisine? Look no further! Soul Bowl and Café Seoul, conveniently located across the street from the University of Denver, is the go-to spot for delicious and affordable Korean dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, the menu offers a delightful array of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. From delicious bibimbap to savory kimchi fried rice and succulent bulgogi, the restaurant has something to satisfy everyone.
Situated at Evans Avenue and University Blvd., Soul Bowl and Café Seoul is part of a vibrant community known for its cultural diversity. The restaurant caters to students, professors, and local residents eager to explore global cuisines.
“With the increasing popularity of Korean food, we wanted to introduce the authentic flavors and culture of Korea to the community here,” said co-owner Olivia Lim. “We aim to create a welcoming environment where people, whether new to Korean food or familiar with it, can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes reinterpreted with a modern twist.”
A Modern Korean Dining Concept
With ten years of experience in the food industry, the husband-and-wife team Daniel and Olivia Lim, have crafted their restaurant as a casual Korean diner, blending authenticity with approachability.
“Our focus is on offering familiar Korean flavors in a relaxed, casual setting, making it easy for everyone to enjoy,” said Olivia Lim. “While we stay true to traditional dishes like kimchi, beef bulgogi, and bibimbap, we adapt them to suit local preferences. Our goal is to create a dining experience where anyone can comfortably explore and enjoy the rich flavors of Korean cuisine.”
Menu Highlights
Bulgogi | A quintessential Korean dish, bulgogi features thinly sliced
beef marinated in a savory sauce before being grilled to perfection. Beyond its deliciousness, bulgogi is a symbol of Korean hospitality, often served on special occasions. It has also become one of the most beloved Korean dishes among Americans.
Chi-Bap (Fried Chicken Rice Bowl) | Reflecting the growing popularity of Korean-style fried chicken, Soul Bowl offers crispy, tender chicken marinated in traditional sauces and paired with rice. The dish is available with a sweetand-spicy sauce or a savory soy glaze, providing a delicious introduction to Korean flavors.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cake) | This iconic Korean street food features chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicysweet gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce. Traditionally accompanied by fish cakes and vegetables, tteokbokki is a must-try for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
Ramen | Ramen holds a special place in Korean food culture, offering convenience and comfort. At Soul Bowl, customers can enjoy beef brisket ramen (mild or spicy) or seafood-based jjambbong ramen, both known for their rich, flavorful broths. On a cold day, few things are more satisfying than a warm bowl of ramen.
Unique Offerings and Challenges
Signature Sauces | The Lims take pride in crafting their sauces in-house, which are integral to the restaurant’s dishes. From bulgogi sauce to tteokbokki sauce and unique bowl toppings like kiwi lime and apple soy, each sauce is meticulously prepared to enhance the dish’s richness.
Customer Favorites | Popular menu items include the bulgogi bowl, bulgogi bibimbap, and the “Chi-Bap” fried chicken bowls. Vegan diners particularly enjoy the tofu bibimbap, while the spicy tteokbokki is a hit among spice lovers.
Building Community | Opening a restaurant in the space formerly occu-
pied by “Tokyo Bowl” came with its challenges, particularly in building awareness and attracting customers. “Thanks to positive feedback and repeat visits, we’re gradually overcoming these challenges,” said Olivia Lim. “It’s rewarding to see customers enjoying our food and sharing their experiences.”
The couple’s connection to food stems from their upbringing, where family meals centered around Korean dishes like bulgogi and bibimbap fostered bonds. “Daniel believes food is not just a meal but a medium that connects people,” Olivia shared.
Promotions
Soul Bowl and Café Seoul offers a loyalty program where customers can earn a free menu item or drink after 10 purchases. The restaurant also plans to roll out additional promotions soon.
Engaging with the University of Denver Community
The restaurant has become a favorite among University of Denver students and professors. “What I love most about this community is how respectful and curious everyone is about different cultures,” said Olivia Lim. “The students bring a lively energy to our restaurant.”
Soul Bowl and Café Seoul opened on September 20th, 2024 in the University of Denver area.
Thai Tea
Matcha Latte
Why Estate Planning is Important for the New Year
By Chuong Le, Managing Partner, 3i Law
As we start a new year, it’s a great time to think about estate planning. Estate planning means making plans to maintain control over your financial and personal affairs not only when you pass away but also when you are alive. It’s also about making sure your family is taken care of if something happens to you.
Estate Planning Matters 1 2 3 4
Protect Your Assets. Estate planning helps ensure that your assets are distributed and protected according to your wishes. This can prevent legal disputes in the future and ensure that your family members receive the inheritance you intend for them.
Save Money on Taxes. Proper estate planning can help reduce the amount of taxes your family or loved ones will have to pay once you are gone. This means more of your assets will go to your beneficiaries rather than to taxes.
Provide for Those You Care About. Through tools such as wills and trusts, you can designate guardians for minor children, provide for family members with special needs, establish care for pets, and protect your loved ones from potential creditors.
Make Financial and Health Care Decisions. By including a Financial Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and Living Will in your estate plan, you can ensure your financial and medical preferences are respected if you become unable to make those decisions for yourself.
Steps to Get Started and Think About 1 2 3 4
List Your Assets. List all your assets, including real estate, cash, investments, retirement accounts, life insurance, and personal items. This will give you a clear picture of what needs to be included in your estate plan.
Who Are Your Beneficiaries. Who do you want to inherit from your estate? Ensure your beneficiary designations are up to date on accounts like retirement accounts and life insurance policies.
Who Do You Want to Represent You When You Are Not Able to Make Your Own Decisions. Who do you want to represent you to make financial decisions and health care decisions when you become disabled or unable to do so?
Consult with an Estate Planning Attorney. Estate planning can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer who specializes in it to help guide you through the process.
As you set your goals for the new year, make sure estate planning is on your list. By taking the time to create a comprehensive estate plan, you can provide financial security for your loved ones and achieve peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored.
Jane Yang’s debut novel, The Lotus Shoes (on sale: January 7, 2025; Park RowBooks), is an empowering tale of two women from opposite social classes in 19th century China whose fates intertwine on an extraordinary journey of rivalry, companionship, betrayal, love, and triumph.
Sold by her impoverished family as a muizai to the wealthy Fong family, Little Flower hopesher “golden lilies”—tightly bound feet seen as a mark of honor—and extraordinary embroidery skills will someday lead her out of slavery. But her young mistress, Linjing, isjealous of Little Flower’s prized attributes and continually undermines her attempts to raise her station.
Despite the power imbalance, the girls are constant companions and must become allies to survive the Fong women’s domestic maneuvering.
When scandal rocks the family and Little Flower and Linjing are exiled to the Celibate Sisterhood, each
must chart her own path as they navigate their new circumstances and the limited opportunities available to 19th century Chinese women.
The inspiration for The Lotus Shoes comes in part from Jane Yang’s family his tory: her great-great-aunt Autumn Moon was a lowborn woman whose exceptional embroidery skill won her a genteel marriage despite her natural feet.
Yang weaves pieces of Autumn Moon’s story together with the history of the Celibate Sisterhood, an organization that grew to prominence at the end of the 19th century composed of unwed women who took a vow of celibacy in order to earn wages and freedoms working in silk reeling factories.
The Lotus Shoes By Jane Yang
QA &
Jane Yang
Author, The Lotus Shoes
How do you delve into the complexities of class divisions in 19th century China?
I believe that in the absence of a balance of power, no two people can establish a truly meaningful relationship, be that between friends or lovers. For this reason, I’ve always been intrigued by the complex bond between a lady and her personal maid. On one hand it has the potential to mimic the intimacy of sisters. Yet, there is a seismic imbalance of power between their social standings. How can a maid witness so much wealth and power and not want it for herself—especially if she is wiser than her mistress? In The Lotus Shoes, the shifting tensions between Little Flower and Linjing explores these complexities.
What inspired you to write a novel set in 19th century China?
The 1800s was a time of upheaval for China: the increasing dominance of Western influences challenged traditional cultural norms. Of all the changes, the anti-foot binding movement – a campaign to abolish a practice that could be traced back to the 10th century—was perhaps
the most significant. In Little Flower and Linjing’s world, almost all women, except those from the poorest families, had golden lilies (bound feet). In the marriage stakes, golden lilies were the mark of a respectable woman: they trumped beauty, a rich dowry and sometimes even bloodline. In historical Western sources, foot binding was largely portrayed as cruel and barbaric, therefore the successful crusade to end this practice was celebrated as an indisputable triumph. But I suspect the reality was far more complex for women who lived through those times.
What influenced your writing?
The Lotus Shoes is inspired by the family lore handed down to me by my grandmothers. Maa Maa, my paternal grandma, was small and fine-boned—a porcelain doll—with a delicate constitution and a soft voice. Maa Maa embraced the traditional feminine sphere, rejecting the opportunity to attend school, preferring to devote herself to domestic virtues like embroidery. Little Flower, is an embodiment of Autumn Moon and Maa Maa.
Denver’s Japanese Sister City got the Grand Marshall spot in Parade of Lights
By Gil Asakawa
For the first time, a stunning yatai, or traditional float, from Denver’s sister city of Takayama, Japan, participated in the annual Parade of Lights through downtown Denver, broadcast by KUSA 9News this December.
Accompanied by a delegation from Takayama and members of the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee, the yatai served as the Grand Marshal float, following a Denver Police equine unit.
Yatai floats are iconic features of the Spring and Fall Matsuri (Festivals) in Takayama, which are renowned as some of the most beautiful in Japan. These elaborate floats, crafted with intricate carvings, precise woodwork, and vibrant paint and lacquerware, showcase Takayama’s rich artisan traditions. Some yatai are over 300 years old, dating back to the 18th century.
Denver and Takayama established their Sister City relationship in 1960. In 1964, Takayama gifted Colorado a slightly downsized yatai, which made its debut in a Denver parade that same year, celebrating the bond between the two cities. Sixty years later, the yatai returned to downtown Denver for its first appearance in the Parade of Lights.
After the parade, Mayor Mike Johnston met with the 18-member delegation from Takayama, which included students from the city’s Technical High School. He expressed gratitude for their participation and noted that this year’s pa-
rade saw record-breaking attendance, with 350,000 people lining the route.
For many years after 1976, Denver’s yatai was displayed in an enclosed case at Sakura Square but suffered water damage and required repairs. In 2015, it was moved to Asahi Foods, a wholesale supplier for Denver-area Japanese restaurants.
In 2019, the Takayama Sister City Committee disassembled the float and transported it to a warehouse east of downtown Denver, where students from Takayama’s Technical High School traveled to help repair and restore it to its original glory.
In preparation for this year’s parade, Sister City volunteers updated the yatai, modifying its height to comply with Denver’s city regulations. Members of the Takayama delegation marched alongside the float in traditional attire, accompanying it with traditional gongs, which they invited spectators— especially children—to ring as the yatai passed.
The Parade of Lights celebrated the enduring bond between Denver and Takayama, a relationship that has flourished since 1960. Next year, the two cities will mark the 65th anniversary of their partnership with a “Taste of Japan” Festival and a weeklong celebration of Japanese culture and cuisine, highlighting the artistry and traditions of Takayama.
Gil Asakawa is the chair of the Denver Takayama Sister City Committee.
Social Fabric Asian American Community Center
Call for vendors and program ideas - Opening March 2025 in Centennial CACEN is offering several ways to plug in to the community space! Please reach out to us at cacendenver@gmail.com
Office Space Business Pop-Ups
Offices (175-205 sq feet) or shared desks available for monthly, weekly, or daily rent; leases includes mailing address, utilities, internet, and other benefits (and flexibility on terms)
AANHPI-owned businesses and artists and invited to pop-up in the community center. This includes coffee and tea at the cafe area, as well as kiosks and shelves selling art and products.
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Community members are welcome to the community center for free! AND memberships are available at $50 per month that include access to solo pods (for meetings/calls) and the conference room, discounts to local restaurants, and discounted rates for event space rentals.
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