Asian Avenue Magazine - May 2024

Asian American Heroes of Colorado 2024

FOR AGES 5-8 AND 9-13

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Camps are $90 for 3 days (or $40 per day) Organized and run by Asian American high school students Transportation and scholarships

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ASIAN AVENUE - PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Annie Guo VanDan, President

Asian Avenue magazine

Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag

Join us on Sunday, May 19 at this year’s Asian American Hero of Colorado awards ceremony to honor our 2024 deserving recipients. More info: cacendenver.org.

It’s our favorite month of the year! May is not only a beautiful month in Colorado, when the spring weather shines through (minus the allergies) and pops of color return, but it is also a time we celebrate the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Happy AANHPI Heritage Month!

In our 15th year, we recognize Asian American heroes and share their unique stories of making an impact in Colorado. This year’s seven awardees have left long-lasting legacies including: an Asian American student group at East High School in Denver and a Chinese/Lunar New Year celebration in Longmont. Volunteering countless hours on organization boards, mentoring young people and directly improving the lives of others, and advocating for equity are attributes found across the board with this year’s recipients. Please join us to celebrate them on Sunday, May 19 and connect with the work they are doing!

There are dozens of AANHPI events happening across Colorado this month—AAPI Culture Fest on May 11th, Asian Girls Ignite’s CelebrAsian on May 18th, bike ride for AANHPI families on May 25, and so much more! To see a list of events, visit tinyurl.com/co-aanhpi-calendar. We invite you to join in the fun and meet new people in our AANHPI communities! As this year’s Mile High Asian Food Week (April 28 to May 4) winds down, we hope your bellies are pleased from enjoying all the special perks. Thank you for being a part of this effort to celebrate Asian food and cuisines, while supporting our local AANHPI-owned businesses!

ASIAN AVENUE TEAM

Publisher & Founder

CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO

President ANNIE GUO VANDAN

Editorial Director

MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ

Graphic Designer/Videographer

LIJIN ZHAO

Web Designer JASON ZHANG

Staff Writer

JESSALYN LANGEVIN

Staff Writer

PATRICIA KAOWTHUMRONG

on the cover

Congratulations to the 2024 Asian American Hero of Colorado awardees: Rita Liu, Daranee Teng, Gigi de Gala, Kai Vong, Stacey Shigaya, Dr. Sandy Ho, and Vivian Egonio-Norman.

Photo by: Calvin Voong

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

THIS ISSUE

8

10 COVER STORY: 2024 Asian American Hero of Colorado awardees

18 INSIDE STORY: Japanese-American owned Minoru Farm grows diversity

20 FEATURE: Asian Chamber of Commerce expands services for small businesses across Colorado

22 HEALTH: How to celebrate AANHPI Mental Health Day on May 10th

23 COMMUNITY: Colorado Lotus Project shares data about AANHPI Coloradans 18

24 RESTAURANT PEEKS: Sushi Kazu, ChoLon Sloan’s Lake, and Gusto

26 FOOD & BEV: Adrift to showcase Asian American bartenders in May

27 NATIONAL: Barbie releases Kristi Yamaguchi doll and Cocofloss encourages flossing sustainably

28 BOOK: A journey across 50 states is sweetened with pie

29

MUSIC: Local indie pop Desi artist sets to release debut album in June

Asian Education Advisory Council Awards Ceremony

Sunday, May 5, 9am to 11am

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 3203 Quebec St, Denver dpsk12.org/page/asian-educationadvisory-council.org

The Denver Public Schools’ (DPS) Asian Education Advisory Council will recognize students of all grade levels for their outstanding academic achievement, talent and leadership, at the awards ceremony over breakfast. They will also honor the teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, and paraprofessionals who have made contributed to the success of DPS students. Keynote speaker will be Dr. DJ Ida, Executive Director of National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association.

Denver AAPI Culture Fest

Saturday, May 11, 10am to 4pm McNichols Civic Center Building 144 W Colfax Ave, Denver Free and open to the public aapiculturefest.com

Exploring Medicines

Asian Psychedelic Interest Group

Monday, May 13, 6pm to 7:30pm Online via Zoom

Sign up and see other Asian Vibes in Denver events at: linktree.com/asianvibesindenver

The Asian Psychedelic Interest Group provides education and connection for AAPIs interested in psychedelic healing. In “Exploring Medicines,” we will discuss the effects of various psychedelic medicines with a focus on psilocybin and ketamine. Therapist Liz Zhou will guide participants through a brief mindfulness and music experiential, sharing a glimpse of what a psychedelic-assisted therapy session might feel like. There will be no consumption of psychedelic medicines.

Guest speaker, Dr. Mai Shimada, will share about ketamine therapy from a medical perspective. Dr. Shimada is the founder of Isha Health, a ketamine therapy clinic based in San Francisco, California, and is passionate about making psychedelic treatment accessible to people from diverse backgrounds.

Mudra Dance’s Utsav

Annual Amache Pilgrimage

May 18, 6am to 2:30pm

Bus pickups at Simpson United Methodist Church and Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple Cost: $30 per person for round trip bus ride amache.org/pilgrimage

Pilgrimages to former WWII concentration camps for those of Japanese descent were started in the late 1960s. The one-day pilgrimage includes a refreshment stop in Limon, a memorial ceremony at the Amache Cemetery, followed by a potluck lunch at Granada High School. Before the bus returns to Denver, visitors are welcome to take a tour of the Amache Museum or site. Snacks are provided and continuous educational programs run on overhead bus screens (with restrooms). Amache became a National Historic Site in 2022.

May Events

Sushi Party & Art Show

The AAPI Culture Fest serves to foster connection, dialogue, and celebration. Join to honor the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the AAPI community. In the cultural marketplace, explore a mosaic of traditions from Vietnamese, Hmong, Filipino, Korean, Mongolian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Pacific Islander cultures. Connect with AAPI businesses and nonprofit organizations, and engage with various communities, from “Chinatown” to “K-Town.” Indulge in AAPI culinary delights from local food trucks, each offering traditional flavors and diverse cuisines. Showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the AAPI communities in Denver.

Saturday, May 15, Begins at 3pm Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker Tickets: $35 general admission parkerarts.org/event/mudra-dancestudio-presents-utsav-a-celebration

Join Mudra Dance Studio for their 31st original production, and 16th Utsav! This is a celebration of diversity through the universal language of dance and the music blends together classical, folk, and contemporary Indian dance styles. Enjoy live drums from around the world, including performances by the Mudra Taiko Ensemble, who will bring you the excitement and thrill of Taiko drums with some original composition created just for Utsav. Drums are the heartbeat of music and dance. Learn more about Mudra Dance Studio at mudradancestudio.us.

Saturday, June 1, 5pm to 8pm

The Dome at AMG, 6295 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village Tickets: $165 adults/ $100 child under 12 nathanyipfoundation.org

Join the Nathan Yip Foundation for their annual sushi party (Nathan’s birthday month) at the Dome at AMG. This third floor venue is not only gorgeous on the inside, but weather permitting the outdoor patio has views of everything form the mountains to the city skyline. Guests are invited to enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of sushi, sake, and other Japanese treats catered by Chef Miki Hashimoto of TOKIO Restaurant. Wine, beer and sparkling waters will be available in addition to the Sake. Of course, the famous Yip Rum cake will once again be served for dessert!

In its 15th year, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network presents the...

2024 Asian American Heroes of Colorado

Gigi de Gala

• Board Vice Chair, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery

• Co-Chair, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership

• Former Board Chair, Asian Pacific Development Center

Vivian Egonio-Norman

• President, Filipino American Community of Colorado

• Counselor and Volunteer, Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Camp

Dr. Sandy Ho

• Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer, Colorado Department of Human Services

• Lecturer and Faculty Mentor, University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Rita Liu

• Founder and President, AsianPacific Association of Longmont

• Board Member, UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital

Daranee Teng

• Managing Director of Strategy + Impact, Moonshot edVentures

• Former Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission

• Board Member, Colorado Dragon Boat

Stacey Shigaya

• Executive Director, Sakura Foundation

• Executive Advisor, Sakura Square LLC

• Commissioner, Denver Women’s Commission

Young Hero: Kai Vong

• President, Asian Pacific Islander Club at Western Colorado University

• Secretary, Colorado Asian Pacific United

• Former Commissioner, Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission

2024 Asian American Hero of Colorado Awards Ceremony Sunday, May 19, 2024 | 10am to 12pm Happy Living and Wellness Center 14015 E Evans Avenue, Aurora Tickets: General $40 | Student $30 Table of 8 for $300 Get tickets at: cacendenver.org

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the awards ceremony recognizes an extraordinary group of local heroes in May. Hear their inspiring stories as we recognize this year’s awardees over an Asian and sushi brunch.

This year’s awardees were selected by: Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Girls Ignite, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian Vibes in Denver, Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, Colorado AAPI Giving Circle, Colorado Dragon Boat, National Association of Asian American Professionals Colorado, and Sakura Square.

Rita Liu, Gigi de Gala, Stacey Shigaya, Kai Vong, Daranee Teng, Vivian Egnonio-Norman, and Dr. Sandy Ho (from left)

Written by Annie Guo VanDan

Photos by Calvin Voong

Born in Cebu City, Philippines as the eldest of five siblings, Gigi de Gala always carried an aspiration and a responsibility for each of her siblings to receive a quality college education.

“They are all accomplished professionals and they have passed that on to their children. It is my greatest gift to my brothers and sisters,” said de Gala.

She came to the U.S. in 1983 and has called Colorado home ever since. In her professional life, she has been a supervisor and a manager at Nelnet, a student loan servicing company, leading teams for over 20 years.

She is the Board Vice Chair of Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, and this past year, she co-chaired the Aurora Asian Pacific Community Partnership (AAPCP).

Her community involvement spans leadership positions, including serving as Board Chair for organizations such as the Asian Pacific Development Center and

Gigi de Gala

Leadership Aurora – Aurora Chamber of Commerce.

“I have served in different organizations and often being one of the few Asians, if not the only one, in leadership capacities,” she said.

She has also served on the Aurora Symphony Orchestra Board and the Community Policing Advisory Team for the Aurora Police Department. She has fostered financial literacy among youth through Junior Achievement (JA) since 2006, receiving the Apple Award from JA for teaching 1,000 students.

“Gigi selflessly volunteers her time to assist individuals in immigrant and refugee communities in accessing educational opportunities,” said Alexa Davis, secretary of AAPCP. “She uses her energy, time, and voice to give back.”

de Gala said: “Recognizing the privilege I have to live in the United States and having access to many opportuni-

ties, I embrace the ethos of ‘because I have been given much, I too must give’.”

Her two sons Efren and Ian are talented musicians. Efren is a cellist and a luthier, who restores century old violins to their best authentic condition.

Ian is a violist and will take the helm as a music teacher in the new school year poised to orchestrate musical ensembles, from symphonic and chamber orchestras to directing the bell choir and mariachi band. To honor their Grandma Jo, who was born and raised in Hawaii, both Efren and Ian collect and love playing their ukelele.

Her husband Herman is a skilled fly fisherman and expert fly tyer. And yes, he is also a good singer and can play the ukelele. One of her greatest joys is when the whole family is home, and the house resonates with music, and “we are practically having a concert in the living room.”

Board Vice Chair, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery

de Gala family - Gigi, Herman (husband), Efren and Ian

Leadership Aurora training with the Aurora Fire Department

de Gala (bottom left) at the NaFFAA gala

Vivian Egonio-Norman came to the US to live with her aunt and uncle 37 years ago, when she was 14 years old. She attended Holy Family High School in Broomfield and graduated with a BS in Biology at Colorado State University Pueblo.

“I have a blended family with my husband Quentin Norman of over 12 years, and our four children. We love to travel and volunteer together,” she said.

With 25 years of experience in management IT, she has managed contact centers domestically and abroad.

“My experience dealing with various personalities and cultures has helped me gain a better understanding of people,” said Egonio-Norman.

This is a skill she takes with her in her role as President of the Filipino American Community (FACC). She has been involved with FACC since 1987 when her aunt and uncle, who she considers her role models, introduced her to the organization.

Another one of her role models was her mom, who was also very active in the community and volunteered often until she passed away 13 years ago.

“They reinforced the importance of giving back in my early years,” she said. “Coming from the Philippines as a teenager was hard, but having a community like FACC made me less homesick.”

Egonio-Norman has so many memories at FACC, and still sees a lot of people who were around when she was a teen. She witnessed how hard everyone worked to purchase a building.

“The founders of FACC envisioned having a legacy and keeping our culture alive for the future. I am one of the people who benefited from it,” she said.

“I was a teenager who worked two bingo events on school nights to fundraise to purchase the building. The board worked extremely hard to purchase the building. We are very proud to own the building outright with no debt.”

Domingo Belen, FACC Board President, said: “Vivian has transformed the organization into a center for community engagement and support. Her efforts have strengthened bonds within the Filipino community and created

Vivian Egonio-Norman

an inclusive space for members of all backgrounds and ages.

Growing up in the Philippines and experiencing poverty inspired Egonio-Norman to give back and not forget where she came from.

“Although I grew up in America, I have always embraced my Filipino culture. I speak two dialects fluently,” she said.

When her son was four years old, she had him start attending Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Camp.

“This organization is very dear to my heart since it was my aunt and uncle’s legacy. They didn’t have kids of their own and adopted in the early 80s,” she said.

Volunteering at this camp is important to her. At the camp, adoptees are able to express how they feel and share their experiences with other adoptees.

“Vivian’s dedication to serving others has created a more connected, compassionate community in Edgewater, Denver, and beyond,” said Belen.

President, Filipino American Community of Colorado

Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Camp

Tiboli attire for FACC’s 70th anniversary

Family vacation for Egonio-Norman’s 50th birthday

Dr. Sandy Ho leads and serves as the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and also teaches at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

“My dedication and care of community brought me to CDHS–the people who help people,” said Ho. “I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was to find something that connected leadership and community on a greater scale across the state.”

They hope most people would describe them as inclusive, supportive, and a doer.

“I’m someone who provides support and solutions,” said Ho, who acknowledges that their Korean heritage and cultural upbringing has shaped their values.

Having lived in Colorado Springs since 1994 when their father was stationed at Fort Carson, Ho finished high school and completed all of their higher education degrees in Colorado Springs. They went

Dr.Sandy Ho

Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer, Colorado Department of Human Services

on to join multiple institutions of higher education as a director, instructor, assistant professor attendant rank, and eventually an assistant dean.

“Honestly, my sister and I cried when we first arrived in Colorado Springs,” they said. “At the time, we felt like we had been uprooted from our home (Seoul, population in 1994 of 10 million) and thrown back in time (Colorado Springs, population in 1994 of 300 thousand).”

Ho is the first-born child to their beloved parents–Danny and Hye Sook Ho–and a grieving sibling.

“My younger sister Kathy died suddenly in December of 2018. The loss is still overwhelming but we carry it with us as we continue to be the people she loved,” Ho shared.

While grieving the family’s loss, Ho continued serving the local community by participating in organizations

including: El Pomar Foundation Elevating Leadership Development Advisory Board, Asian Pacific Islander Advisory Council, Golden Lotus Foundation, Black Educators Network, Colorado Human Trafficking Council, Korean Baptist Church, Colorado Springs Mayor’s Civic Leaders Fellowship, and Leadership Pikes Peak.

Their colleague Dr. Jesse Perez said: “Dr. Ho’s legacy of support and mentorship reverberates through the lives of those they have influenced. They embody the ideals of leadership and inclusivity, advocating for the needs of women and individuals who identify as non-binary, both locally and beyond.”

“A critical part of my responsibilities as a leader and educator is facilitating learning and equipping people to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world,” said Ho.

Dr. Ho (second from right) at the CIE Summit

CDHS at the Capitol

Dr. Ho and family

When Rita Liu moved to Longmont, she was quickly welcomed by the community and her neighbors.

“The sense of community in Longmont is terrific. I’ve found that people truly want to help others, and they do so out of joy rather than obligation,” she said.

Liu joined the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee (LMAC) where she learned about the city’s initiatives, and realized that LMAC could help her reach out to the Asian communities.

In 2010, she established the Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont (A-PAL) with the aim of fostering diversity and bridging cultural divides.

“Through the development and hosting of cultural, educational, and artistic projects and events, as well as by actively encouraging participation in city and school district initiatives, Rita has been instrumental in nurturing understanding and unity in the community, said Jane Lim, vice president of A-PAL.

Rita Liu

Founder and President, Asian-Pacific Association of Longmont

Liu discovered a large Asian population in Longmont with an under-utilized skillset and a desire to be of service.

“I saw an opportunity and challenge to assist the Asian population to join with the broader Boulder community in creating an event that would transcend cultural and language differences,” Liu said.

That was when the largest annual Lunar New Year celebration event in Northern Colorado was born.

“The most important achievement with A-PAL’s Lunar New Year is the sense of community that is created around the event, and the sense that each individual’s contribution matters,” she said.

“I love when members of the Asian community are able to share their heritage with new audiences and feel proud of it at the same time. The best moments are when people take the skills they learn and pay it forward by creating new projects or mentoring others.”

Liu was born in Shanghai before the Communist Revolution. Her family took the last boat out of Shanghai and went to Taiwan where she grew up. Her large family was always supportive of her and her interests.

She shared: “I was always a high achiever, not just in academics, but also as a national athlete and artist.”

After college, she moved to Germany with her fiancé, George. Serendipitously, she ended up getting a job as a programmer. They moved to New York, where they had two children while Liu was moving up in IBM as a high-level IT Manager and a Executive Consultant. After retirement, she and her husband moved to Longmont, Colo.

Liu reflects on 14 years since she started A-PAL: “I have never been comfortable just sitting around. I saw a need, and knew that I could apply my professional knowledge and people management skills in serving the community.”

Liu has organized a Chinese/ Lunar New Year event in Longmont since 2011

Longmont Mayor Dennis Coombs presents the “Community Unity Award” to Liu at a City Council meeting

Born and raised in Denver, Stacey Shigaya is a third generation Japanese American. She has dedicated the last decade to serving Colorado’s Japanese American (JA) community in her roles as Executive Director of Sakura Foundation and Executive Advisor of Sakura Square, LLC.

“I wanted to give back to the Japanese American community and honor the sacrifices that my parents made and the hardships they endured as incarcerees of the WWII concentration camps,” she said.

Through her family’s experience, she is aware of her own generational trauma. And it is her hope to educate others “about the incarceration experience so that it does not happen ever again.”

Shigaya is the lead organizer of Denver’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square. Co-presented by Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, the festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary this June and is expected to attract over 35,000 attendees who will experience cultural exhibits, food, entertainment and marketplace goods.

She is also a founding organizer and facilitator of the Mirai Generations Leadership Program (MGLP), an emerging leaders development program for young adults 25-35 years of age who have a strong interest in Japanese culture and community.

Brent Sabati, a graduate of MGLP, said: “Her efforts to develop young leaders and support the next generation has a widespread effect.”

Shigaya also cares deeply about supporting the LGBTQ+ community as an ally and has served on the PFLAG Denver Board of Directors. She volunteers as a group facilitator for monthly nationwide API support groups presented by PFLAG National, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.

She furthers her involvement as a volunteer for Okaeri, an organization based in Los Angeles that supports the JA LGBTQ+ community. She hopes to help support her own daughter and the LGBTQ+ community to live their best lives in a safe and accepting society.

Stacey Shigaya

While her extensive community work has made impacts far and wide, her greatest joy and achievement is being a mom to her two children, Evan and Cami. Now as young adults, she appreciates having “learned so much over the years alongside them, and they continue to inspire me and help me to be a better person.”

Gary Yamashita, former executive director of Sakura Foundation, said: “Her actions are most often done behind the scenes with little attention or fanfare focused toward her, yet she has been instrumental in helping to preserve and promote the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.”

Executive Director, Sakura Foundation

Opening Ceremony - Denver Cherry Blossom Festival

Okaeri Moms at the 2019 PFLAG National Convention

Shigaya travels to Japan with her children in 2019

Over the past 18 years, Daranee Teng has worked for community-based organizations locally, nationally, and internationally to advance educational equity for young people.

“I carry a lot of distinct identities. I’m an educational equity researcher-practitioner, a student, a community organizer, a yoga teacher, and an adventurer,” said Teng.

After moving to Colorado in 2006, she began supporting a dedicated cohort of students in North Denver over the course of ten years from third grade to high school graduation.

“I learned so much about the cultures, accomplishments, and challenges of the Mexican immigrant and Chicano communities that my students came from,” she said.

Teng, who identifies as multiethnic (Thai, Chinese, and Indonesian), is now the Managing Director of Strategy + Impact at Moonshot edVentures, where she leads innovative programming for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ education leaders.

As one of the founders of Shoes Off Collective, Teng has helped build a network of AANHPIs organizing in solidarity with local and global decolonial liberation movements, including a free Palestine. “Our work recognizes our struggles are interconnected, especially given past and present-day experiences of the AANHPI diaspora with imperialism, colonialism, and genocide,” she said.

“Through radical empathy, Daranee has continued to push our AANHPI community to reflect not only on our successes and challenges, but on the complicated intersectionalities that we hold and the interconnectedness of our struggles to other marginalized groups,” said Joie Ha, co-founder of Shoes Off Collective.

Daranee Teng

In Colorado’s AANHPI community, she has served as a Commissioner of Denver’s Asian American Pacific Islander Commission, as a board member of Colorado Dragon Boat, and is currently a part of CU Denver’s Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) research team. She is also a part of BIPOC yoga and wellness communities, specifically Urban Sanctuary located in Denver’s Five Points, one of Colorado’s only Black-woman owned yoga studios.

As the daughter of immigrants, who came to the U.S. from Bangkok, Thailand in the 1970s, she was born in the U.S., but migration is a big part of her fami-

Teng(backright)celebratestheLunarNewYear with CU Denver’s AANAPISI research team

ly’s story. Her grandparents emigrated to Thailand from Guangdong province in southeastern China; and her Indonesian-Timorese great-grandmother emigrated to China from Indonesia when she was a teenager and later emigrated to Thailand.

“While my ancestors moved around out of necessity and in search of opportunities, they paved a path for me to be able to explore the world out of curiosity and wanderlust,” reflects Teng, who has traveled to 22 countries. “They’re alive in me in the way they’ve influenced my appreciation of diverse cultures and my love of travel and desire to see the world.”

Teng shares her story at the ElevAsian Night Market

Managing Director of Strategy + Impact at Moonshot edVentures

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival

Finishing his third year at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colo, Kai Vong is the President of the Asian Pacific Islander Club, which promotes awareness of AAPI culture and works to educate the Western community through a welcoming environment for all. He is also the new station manager at the local radio station, KWSB 91.1 FM, where he oversees all its operations.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Vong moved to Colorado when he was seven years old. During his sophomore year at East High School, he founded the Asian/Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APSA),

“After a great assembly for Cesar Chavez Day, I noticed that there was no Asian student group represented during a touching tribute, where all the student groups stood together in unity.”

WesternVong(center)boughtaliondancetroupefora basketballgameforthefirsttimeever

Kai Vong

He then worked with his Mandarin teacher to develop a plan to establish an Asian American student group.

“APSA launched in my junior year and it made a deep impact on my life. I embraced my culture and met a lot of amazing individuals,” he said.

“I finally felt that I could make a meaningful shift in my community and do something worthwhile in school. APSA provided an outlet, not only for AAPI students, but for everyone to learn about different cultures and meet new people.”

During COVID and the rise in Asian Hate, APSA was a safe place for students to share their thoughts and perspectives. The high school organizations continues going strong today.

As the secretary for Colorado Asian

Pacific United (CAPU), he works with the nonprofit to engage in community organizing to celebrate local AANHPI histories and cultures. CAPU recently installed historical markers and a mural located in the area of Denver’s former Chinatown.

While on the Denver AAPI Commission, Vong helped revamp the AAPI Resource Guide in 2022.

“He played a major role in the launch of the new DAAPIC survey to better understand the issues, services, and resources that are important to the AAPI community,” said Joanne Liu, former DAAPIC member.

“His strengths in taking initiative and elevating and advocating for the AAPI community make him an exceptional leader.”

President, Asian Pacific Islander Club at Western Colorado University

Vong (left) is the first Asian American station manager for KWSB 91.1 FM in Gunnison

CAPU team poses with the downtown mural that honors the city’s historic Chinatown

APIC organizes an annual lū’au with handmade Hawaiian food and Polynesian dancers

Cultivating Connections: Unveiling the Beauty of Japanese Organic Farming in Colorado's Landscape

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

Discover the enchanting allure of Minoru Farm nestled in the picturesque town of Brighton, Colo. With the backdrop of the Rockies, this hidden gem embodies a harmonious fusion of Japanese tradition and organic farming practices. While wandering through lush fields and serene gardens, you will be transported to a realm where reverence for nature and meticulous cultivation techniques intertwine seamlessly.

Join us on a journey to uncover the rich heritage and sustainable ethos that define Minoru Farm, where each harvest yields not only nourishing produce but also a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.

Asian Avenue Magazine had the opportunity to meet with Jade Sato, owner and grower of Minoru Farm.

The History of the Farm

Sato, a fourth-generation Japanese American, started Minoru Farm in 2019 to provide fresh food to her community, and offer Asian varieties of vegetables not normally grown in Colorado.

Focusing on the use of cover crops, this process involves crops grown to cover the soil to build up the organic matter and fertility of the soil.

With a history of agriculture in her family, her grandfather lost his farm when he and his family were incarcerated during World War II.

“I named the farm after my late grandfather George Minoru Sato, in honor of his agricultural background as a Japanese American, who endured the prison camps,” she said.

In 2020, she began participating in farmers markets and created a CSA (community supported agriculture), a mutual aid program where people pay in the early season of the farm when they are not making an income. CSA supports Minoru Farm with funding in the early season and the farm repays their members with their produce.

“Unbeknownst to me, COVID really shaped the first three years of the business,” Sato said. “Now we are in year five

and are excited to build upon what we have already established on the farm and for the business.”

Minoru Farm Programs

In addition to CSA, Sato organizes a Community Nourishment Share program.

“Our no cost CNS is based on the desire to support Queer/BIPOC community members with access to fresh veggies and premade meals for the duration of our Summer and Winter CSA programs,” she said. “We take on a limited amount of shares for this program and once a share becomes available, we will notify the public through our Instagram.”

The share consists of weekly farm fresh vegetables and frozen soups made by community members with farm veggies in the kitchen generously open to Minoru Farm by Chef Amy Cohen of Stowaway.

“Since the staff of Minoru Farm is myself and my best friend, who are both mixed Japanese Americans, we strive for all of our choices to reflect diversity and inclusion on the farm and at the farmers market,” Sato said.

“Our community nourishment pro-

gram is one way we can offer support to folks in our community as well as choosing to grow vegetables that are culturally relevant.”

This year, the season will begin May 4. Sato also shared her veggies are also purchased by 2024 James Beard Award finalist Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton.

“Our veggies are used and made to shine by Chef Penelope,” she said.

A Love for Bittermelon

Sato confesses bittermelon is one of her favorite crops.

“It is challenging to grow so I am always gaining knowledge every season I grow this plant,” she said. “And it is the most needed flavor profile once it is in season.”

In addition, Sato has discovered folks find this vegetable traumatic from childhood. “But I love to enjoy it as a simple stuffed pork soup with rice,” Sato said.

Day-to-Day Operations

Inclement weather, climate change and the volatility of Colorado’s unpredictable climate are challenging factors in succeeding in the agribusiness.

“It is a constant challenge to provide beautiful vegetables to our customers year after year because the weather in Colorado is so volatile,” she confessed.

“In the span of days, sometimes one day, our weather goes from dry, then mud, freezing temperatures, then it’s hot, then it hails, then the wind destroys our structures, then it’s a drought season again and so on and so forth.”

Sato finds exhilaration when her farm yields a beautiful crop. “It is the most rewarding experience, and we take great joy in when our customers love the fruits of our labor too,” she said.

Climate change is evolving into a concern over the years. “We are noticing that the climate is really changing because there no longer exists a base line of understanding for our already intense weather in Colorado,” Sato said. “Due to climate change our weather is changing faster than we can keep up with it.”

Like most business owners, Sato is experiencing the volatility of balancing the appropriate staffing levels. “We are now getting to the point where we need to hire more labor on the farm,” she said. “But the unpredictability of the growing season is challenging to bring on new crew for the season.”

Sato can only hope for the best every year. “We shall see how it goes.”

Since the farm is a daily job that has unpredictable hours for Sato, she sneaks a nap or a bath or a massage, chiropractor or acupuncture appointment, where and whenever she can squeeze some

time. In addition, she has dabbled in the arts by taking painting classes from a local community college and last winter, she has stretched her creative side by exploring watercolor paints again.

Sustainability Practices

Minoru Farm is a low waste farm. “We don’t use packaging, plastic bags, or rubber bands for our produce,” she explained. “We tie all the bunched foods with compostable twine and encourage our customers to bring their own bags to market.”

In addition, Minoru Farm doesn’t use any short-term plastic products on the farm. They also execute a strict rule that all plastics Minoru Farm purchase must last multiple seasons and years.

Her fight for food injustice and food deserts stands as a continual battle. To overcome these roadblocks, over the past five years, she has been a member of the Farmers Market Committee of the Mile High Farmers in Denver to advocate for all the farmers markets in Denver welcoming Snap/EBT. There are more markets now that accept Snap/EBT than before the pandemic.

Not all farmers markets are in neighborhoods experiencing food apartheid, but some folks are able to commute to a market that can offer farm fresh vegetable access.

“As a small farm business, we do what we can with our CNP and we realize how hard it is to make an impact in food justice work, but that doesn’t deter us from

Jade Sato

looking at the issues head on,” she said.

“We partnered with Kaizen Food Rescue last year with our Asian elder CSA program that provided culturally relevant vegetables for 40 weeks during the growing season.”

Be intentional in supporting your local AAPI farmers, such as Minoru Farm. It is a transformative power of communal spaces like this Brighton-based farm in fostering cultural pride, social cohesion, and resilience.

Support Minoru Farm’s efforts to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and offer diverse representation in typically non-Asian spaces.

Follow Minoru Farms on Instagram @_minoru_farm_. You can also find Minoru Farm’s fresh produce at the City Park Farmers Market every Saturday.

Owner and GROWER, Minoru Farm

The Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado (ACC) was established in 1984 by H.S. Adnan, Patty Coutts, and Dr. Sumiko Hennessy, with the purpose of “seeking to improve business conditions for all lawful Asian businesses.” Since its inception, the Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado has provided culturally competent economic development and business opportunity for the AANHPI Community.

This is a mission statement that requires more than just business acumen – it requires community participation, an eagerness for social advocacy, and full comprehension of the unique challenges that impact the AANHPI business and workforce community.

Fran Campbell, the current President/ CEO of ACC came to her role in 2019just months before COVID shut down the State. “I was surprised that the description of my new job changed very quickly in only a month. We realized early in the pandemic that our AANHPI small business community would be severely impacted. Due to false rhetoric blaming COVID on AANHPIs, many AANHPI small businesses statewide, particularly restaurants, realized a 30-40% decrease in revenue and patronage before the “shutdown”.

Asian Chamber of Commerce awarded funding to expand Small Business Initiative

Asian Chamber of Commerce Staff and Board Members

Travis Tom, Board Chairman; Rosanne Dutzer, Board Vice Chair; Fran Campbell, President/CEO; Peggy Moore, Special Events Coordinator; Mio Austin; Maia Cole; Jenny Dempewolf; Maya Fieweger; Nat Goldstein; Phuong Ha; Lulu Lantzy; Clarence Low; Jennifer Malpiede; Mary Nguyen; Alyssa Nilemo; Brent Sabati; Joe Sinisi; Sherap Tharchen; Patrick Walton; and Linda Yokota.

acts of assault and vandalism (graffiti, property damage, even arson) which increased their losses. Simultaneously exacerbating the situation, cultural challenges and language access continue to prove to be a challenge when applying for relief & recovery funding.”

Current ACC Board Chairperson, Travis Tom, stated that “The subsequent closing and re-opening of our country because of COVID fundamentally changed how we do business at all levels. From micro businesses to the largest corporations, we saw shifts in where we work and how we work. Since our world changed, so did the focus of the Chamber and we must work to adapt.”

Nevertheless, Campbell continues, “We have to look forward, regardless of how hard COVID hit us - we’ve got too much work to do now and tomorrow.”

That “work” is titled the ACC Small Business Initiative, which was put in place in 2021. This Initiative focuses on the fundamental needs of the AANHPI Small Business Community and reinforcing alliances with Corporate Members, Sponsors and Partners.

AANHPI small businesses reported

First on the list of primary objectives is to establish a database of Colorado AANHPI Small Businesses – not just metro wide but statewide. Campbell contends, “Equitable outreach of business oppor-

tunities can’t be fully successful if the database is inadequate.” So, the ACC, in partnership with like-minded community entities is building a comprehensive database that will improve outreach, promotion and accessibility of the AANHPI businesses statewide.

Additionally, the ACC has made substantial progress in efforts to provide 1-on-1 business counseling for AANHPI Small Businesses. Campbell states, “… most notably, we have expanded our Small Business Initiative to Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado!”

Colorado Springs resident and ACC Director, Brent Sabati, is making the connections on behalf of the ACC. Sabati states, “While Colorado Springs has many resources for small businesses, there are still isolated communities that need more personalized support. The importance of the AANHPI Small Business Initiative cannot be understated because the local and diverse businesses contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the cities in which they reside.”

“They serve as the foundation for many of our AANHPI families and provide cultural infrastructure for the wider community. Our efforts in Colorado Springs will hopefully serve as a model to provide AANHPI small business support across Colorado.”

He continues, “As we all know, the AANHPI group is not a monolith and in Colorado Springs, many AANHPI cultures exist in silos or small pockets across the city. The more we can bring our community together, the more resilient we can become and garner more support. By providing opportunities to build relationships and by connecting individuals with other AANHPI organizations, businesses, and events, we can build trust and help our community grow and thrive in COS.”

Campbell affirms, “Our Small Business

Initiative closely follows the US Small Business Administration concept of the Community Navigator Program. Similar to the SBA Program, the ACC project seeks to reduce barriers underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face.”

She announces, “The ACC will be able to expand the Small Business Initiative to the Western Slope and Northern Colorado, starting in 2025.”

The ACC project has received Congressional support for this expansion. “We’re proud to announce that the ACC has been awarded Congressional Directed Spending to support the expansion of the Small Business Initiative statewide.”

The CDS Award was sponsored in Congress by Colorado Senator Bennett and is the only project in this year’s Colorado Earmarks for Financial Services dedicated solely to the AANHPI Community.

Additionally, the ACC has received support from the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, the Economic Development Council of Colorado, the Colorado Minority Business Office, the National Asian

Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurs, and the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development.

Campbell concludes, “Our Board of Directors and Staff are fully dedicated to supporting our community and guiding ACC projects. I am very privileged to collaborate with them. Providing culturally competent economic development and business opportunities is only one fraction of the full AANHPI experience.”

“The ACC is proud to work in partnership with other nonprofit and community movements that provide legal aid, health and mental health, civil rights, and social advocacy that address all the needs of the AANHPI community.“

May 10th is National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Mental Health Day.

Our mental health is impacted by all aspects of our lives, yet it is a topic that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) seldom talk about. AANHPI Mental Health Day plays a critical role in raising awareness about mental health within the AANHPI community, leveraging resources for our community organizations, developing partnerships, and advocating for policies that increase access to culturally relevant services.

In 2010, RAMS spearheaded the first state, county, and city proclamation efforts to establish May 10 as the Asian Pacific American Mental Health Day in the State of California and the City and County of San Francisco.

In 2021, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) intro-

duced the first congressional resolution to recognize May 10th as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day. This resolution calls upon Members of Congress to promote national awareness of mental health issues unique to the AANHPI community and urges State and local health agencies across the nation to improve the quality and availability of mental health services for this population.

This year, with the leadership of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, the national resolution will be introduced again on May 10th, marking the 4th anniversary of AANHPI Mental Health Day. Amidst a rise in anti-Asian racism and violence, it is crucial to celebrate and center the mental health and wellbeing of AANHPI communities nationwide.

Ways

to celebrate AANHPI Mental Health Day

1 - Take the pledge to celebrate AANHPI Mental Health Day!

2 - Practice self-care (take a mental health day, engage in activities that recharge you, support an AANHPI friend)

3 - Create space (host a wellness event, lead a walk in memory of a loved one, create art, honor culture through stories)

4 - Share about AANHPI Mental Health Day on social media

5 - Write your representative to support a national resolution for AANHPI Mental Health Day

6 - Get involved or become a community partner organization

The Colorado Lotus Project details the greatest needs in AANHPI communities

A project by Colorado Health Institute, Colorado AAPI Circle, and community partners

In Colorado, about 260,000 people (alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity) trace their roots to East, Southeast, and South regions of Asia. Over 22,000 trace their roots to the Pacific Islands. Each has a unique history and culture.

But in most U.S. data, this diversity is lost, and people are lumped together in just one or two categories as “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” Shallow data and racial stereotypes are two problems that combine to mask disparities for AANHPI people.

The Colorado AAPI Circle teamed up with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) to do something about it. Colorado Lotus Project (Lotus) aims to uplift the unique voices and experiences of AANHPI people living in Colorado and identify unique strengths and challenges.

“The lack of disaggregated data eras-

es distinct challenges our communities face,” said Kimberly Phu, the project lead and a CHI research and analysis manager.

An advisory group of 10 AANHPI community members and other community leaders identified topics for Lotus to study. Lotus highlights disparities among the domains of education, health, housing, crime and justice, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. The report also addresses the lagging philanthropic support for AANHPI communities.

“One of our goals is to achieve a more equitable allocation of resources and to tear down the idea that the AANHPI community is a monolith,” said Jin Tsuchiya, Co-Chair of the Colorado AAPI Circle. “We also want our communities to be fully seen and valued. We have unique heritages and cultures that tend to be flattened in the media.”

The Colorado AAPI Circle is a volun-

Report will release on May 8, 2024

teer-based group that envisions authentic, visible, and interconnected Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi communities.

To bring the vision to life, they celebrate our many communities by increasing resources, lifting voices, and growing civic engagement. The group was founded during the pandemic amid the rising anti-Asian hate and violence, and believes the report will be useful to service providers, community advocates, and philanthropic institutions.

In 2023, the Colorado AAPI Circle completed its first-ever round of grantmaking and invested in local, AAPI-led service organizations.

“Everything about Lotus is strategic to accomplishing these goals,” said Kristi Keolakai, also a Co-Chair of the Circle. “We could not have done it without our community partners and the Colorado Health Institute.”

Download the study and related materials at coloradohealthinstitute.org/programs/colorado-lotus-project

Cover art by Nayle Lor

Passing the Torch: Sushi Kazu welcomes new ownership

As the baton of culinary excellence passes into new hands, husband-wife team Yama-san and Miho Yamaguchi, took ownership of Sushi Kazu at the beginning of the year.

After closing for renovations, they reopened in February 2024. Truly a family business, their son helps as a server, while their daughter works on the restaurant’s social media.

Originally from Fukuoka, Japan, Yama-san received culinary training in Japanese cuisine, Kaiseki cuisine, and Kappo cuisine for over 18 years in various regions of Japan, including Osaka, Kobe, and Fukuoka. His wife and manager of the restaurant, Miho, was born in Yamaguchi, Japan.

Twenty years ago, Yama-san relocated to Denver with his family after receiving an invitation from Miki Hashimoto, the owner of Tokio, which is now situated downtown, Denver. Yama-san would go on to work for Japon, Sushi Den, Menya, and Tokio.

Harboring a long-time desire to open his own restaurant, luck never seemed to be on his side. Not until the restauran’s previous owner announced his retirement. Seeing this as an opportunity to fulfill his dream, Yama-san decided to take over the restaurant.

“He had wanted to open a restaurant for a long time, but had no luck,” shared Miho. “I am very grateful to Kazu-san for making this wish come true.”

Nestled along the bustling Arapahoe Road in Centennial, Sushi Kazu, offers multiple menus that showcase the diverse offerings by Yama-san. This includes a sushi menu, happy hour menu, specials menu, and drink menu. Sushi Kazu also provides an omakase menu that requires a reservation one week in advance, full of Yama-san’s sushi favorites.

The chikuwa isobeage, a deep-fried fish cake wrapped in tempura batter, is an especially unique and delicious appetizer. So is the yakiniku kalbi, which comes with six pieces of marinated and cooked kalbi beef.

Notable sushi rolls include the dragon roll, which features shrimp tempura and the hip hop roll which stars spicy tuna and imitation crab. You can also order lunch or dinner specials that come with sushi plus soup or salad.

Stop by for happy hour Tuesdays through Thursdays 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Fridays and Sat urdays during lunch time for buy one, get one free sake and discounted beers and sushi.

SUSHI KAZU OFFERINGS:

With the new Sushi Kazu, Yama-san intends to utilize his vast experience to establish a restaurant where customers can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine crafted by Japanese chefs, featuring fresh fish and delicious beverages.

In addition to their sushi and ramen, they recommend customers try their tempura! The tempura is crispy and different from other restaurants. Their tempura udon is popular among Japanese customers, who say the udon soup is very tasty.

Sushi Kazu also takes catering order for their bento boxes. By placing an order in advance, they will provide Japanese-style bento for any event that meets your budget.

To cater to a wider audience, they also accept orders on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and other online platforms.

From meticulously crafted sushi rolls to traditional dishes that hit the spot, every bite at Sushi Kazu is a symphony of taste and texture.

SUSHI KAZU

12201 E. Arapahoe Rd. Centennial, CO 80112

Tel: 303-954-8037

sushikazu.com

Owners of Sushi Kazu: Yama-san (right) and Miho (left)

Chef Lon Symensma Announces Long-Anticipated ChoLon Sloan’s

Lake and New Italian Concept,

Executive Chef/Founder of ChoLon Restaurant Concepts, Lon Symensma, along with business partner Christopher Davis-Massey, recently announced that ChoLon Sloan’s Lake and a new Italian concept, called Gusto, will open to the public in March. Both restaurants are located in the Lakehouse residential community at West 17th Avenue and Raleigh Street across the street from Sloan’s Lake Park.

“At ChoLon Sloan’s Lake, we are excited to finally open our doors and share the dynamic flavors of our updated menu. You’ll find signature dishes that ChoLon is known for, like our french-onion soup dumplings, plus a number of new plates and handmade dim sum,” says Chef Symensma. “The design of the restaurant is sleek and natural, from a large downstairs bar to the second-floor mezzanine, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake!”

Right next door, “Gusto will serve playful interpretations of dishes from all over Italy. Diners will recognize the classics, like pizza margherita, eggplant parmigiana, light salads and antipasti. However, also anticipate some twists; like Crispy Arancini made with Spaghetti Carbonara, Bucatini Assassin Style - Crispy & Spicy, and Mozzarella Di Bufala, with golden raisin caponata,” says Symensma.

In the future, Symensma plans to offer to-go picnic baskets with charcuterie, wine and cheese, a gelato stand for passers-by to enjoy lakeside, plus a vibrant patio scene for both restaurants.

Symensma started his career cooking in restaurants in France and Italy, before spending over a decade working in New York City. He opened ChoLon Modern Asian in downtown Denver in 2010. Since then, he says “the Denver dining scene has grown dramatically and I love being a part of it, incorporating local ingredients into traditional techniques in the restaurant’s seasonal menus.” ChoLon’s all-female, Chinese Dim Sum

Gusto

team, led by Chef Michelle Xiao will fill ChoLon’s menu with an array of dumplings, buns and spring rolls.

The inspiration behind Gusto stems from Symensma’s early years as a chef, when he was introduced to Italian food and cooking during a six-month study-abroad program at the Culinary Institute of America. He’s traveled across the country over the past two decades, understanding that the climate and people of each region influence food preparations and ingredients used from Piedmont to Sicily. On the menu at Gusto, the team will keep the integrity and history of each dish alive. From decadent and laborious, to light and simple, Gusto will serve rotating pizzas, pastas, salads, antipasti and desserts. Many of the ingredients, such as cured meat, fresh bread, and hand-rolled pasta will be made in-house.

The opening of ChoLon Sloan’s Lake and Gusto will bring the total number of restaurants under ChoLon Restaurant Concepts to six; including ChoLon Downtown, ChoLon Central Park, Bistro LeRoux and YumCha. The group is currently under construction of a new ChoLon at Denver International Airport.

Two restaurants set to serve Asian and Italian cuisine to the Sloan’s Lake Neighborhood

Cholon Sloan’s Lake

One Ohana is Adrift’s ongoing guest bartender series which the bar teams up with a guest bartender to create and serve a cocktail that goes towards a charity of their choosing.

Adrift to showcase Asian American Bartenders for Heritage Month in May

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 5 to 7 p.m. Adrift | 218 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209

For AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) Heritage Month in May, the Adrift team welcomes May Dela Peña brand ambassador for Tequila Cazadores and Amber Vongsouvanh of Shrunken Head Tiki in Colorado Springs.

Both bartenders will pop-up at Adrift on Tuesday, May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. to serve cocktails that they’ve created. A portion of proceeds from the cocktails below will be donated to MAG Mines Advisory Group for the month of May. This 501(c)3 nonprofit organization raises awareness and funds for MAG, the global humanitarian and advocacy organization that finds, removes, and destroys landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded bombs from places affected by conflict.

May, who is of Filipino descent, has over 16 years of experience in the service industry. The OUU Bae Bay features toasted rice and sesame-infused Cazadores Blanco, Planterey Cut and Dry Coconut Rum, Calamansi simple syrup, and garnished with ube coconut whipped cream, Pandan wafer stick and tapioca pearls, toasted rice puffs, and dried mango and pineapple.

Amber is a first generation American of Laotian and Thai Heritage. Sebai Sebai is the national cocktail of Thailand. This delightful concoction features Mekhong Thai Rum, Lemon, simple syrup, basil, Thai chili, and soda water and is garnished with Thai Basil and an Orchid, embodies the flavors and essence of Thailand.

Learn more at adriftbar.com or follow on Instagram at @adriftdenver.

Photo Credit: Harrison Warters Photography

Sebai Sebai

The OUU Bae Bay

Photos by MATTEL

Barbie releases Inspiring Women Doll of Olympic Figure Skater, Kristi Yamaguchi

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, Barbie is thrilled to honor U.S. figure skating champion and Olympic gold medalist, Kristi Yamaguchi, with an Inspiring Women doll.

As the first Asian American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating, a best-selling author and children’s literacy advocate, Yamaguchi is a trailblazer on and off the ice. She is a source of inspiration for young girls across the globe to relentlessly pursue their passions.

Not only did Barbie work closely with Yamaguchi herself to sculpt a doll in proper reflection of her likeness but as part of the launch and continued support of the AAPI community, Barbie is also making a donation to Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream

and Aspire (Asian Sister Participating in Reaching Excellence, Inc.), an organization committed to building and empowering a community of Asian American women leaders through identity development, mentorship, and education.

Despite her monumental Olympic triumph in 1992, Kristi Yamaguchi faced biases that limited her opportunities for endorsements and media exposure upon her return to the United States. Now, she is celebrated for her continued support of Asian American athletes, including Alysa Liu and Karen Chen, through mentorship and sponsorship. Her courage and perseverance in the face of adversity paved the way for generations of Asian American athletes for years to come.

AAPI sisters design sustainable, colorful floss considered the best on the market

Founded by two sisters – a dentist and an artist – Cocofloss prides itself in its dentist-designed, high-performance products that work, rebuild, and nurture.

Dr. Chrystle Cu has perfected new oral care solutions that give us that “dentist-level” clean and shine, every single day.

After years of working in the field of dentistry, she grew frustrated by her inability to get through to her patients on the importance of regular flossing and brushing.

In 2013, she set out to fulfill her mission of improving the world’s oral hygiene by creating an effective, motivating, and fun floss that people would be excited to use.

Dr. Cu’s younger sister, Catherine joined forces with her sister to work on packaging and design, and by 2015, Cocofloss was born.

Dentist designed to remove 40% more plaque between teeth compared with generic floss picks, Cocofloss is

a two-time recipient of the Cellerant Best of Class Hygiene Award. A highly respected panel of dental-hygiene leaders agreed that Cocofloss is the very best floss on the market, beating out every other brand. It’s the most prestigious award in dentistry, reserved for only the world’s best oralcare products.

The unique texture like no other floss comes from 500+ woven fi bers made from recycled water bottles that expand and compress to excavate all plaque. It is 100% nontoxic and cruelty-free with antibacterial coconut oil and vegan wax.

Each 33-yard spool of our recycled-polyester string floss lasts for about two months for one person.

In addition to floss, they also offer Cocoshine whitening toothpaste, Cocobrush, gift sets, and refills.

Learn more about their story and products at: cocofloss.com.

PIES ODYSSEY: A Culinary Tour Across America

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the United States Through Pie

by Stacey Mei Yan Fong

Embark on a delectable journey across the United States to explore the rich tapestry of pies that grace tables from coast to coast. From the flaky crusts of New England to the savory fillings of the Deep South, each state boasts its own unique twist on this beloved dessert. Delve into the diverse flavors and traditions that make American pies a symbol of culinary ingenuity and regional pride.

Through storytelling, traveling, and baking, Stacey Mei Yan Fong created an ode to pies through her book, 50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the United States Through Pies. But it was not an overnight project. While published last June 2023, Fong started her journey in 2016 when she applied for permanent residency in the U.S.

Her Colorado creation is a bison Coors stew pie with an herbed crust and a little fun and fancy crust decoration. She dedicates this pie to her friend, Emily.

“I want readers to walk away with a sense of wonder for their own state or the place they call home,” she said. “Home is really just a mind set and not a physical space.”

“I thought it would be really fun to learn about the country I have chosen to call home through the most American food I could think of—pie,” she said. “I would bake a pie for each state in America, based on the state foods, fruits, or some sort of regional cuisine and dedicate the pie to someone I know from that state as a love letter to the United States.”

She confessed to loving the states more with every slice she baked and shared with friends and family.

The Creation of a Cookbook

The book project, from start to finish, took two years, including recipe testing, drafting content, photo shoots, hand lettering, gathering illustrations and approving design.

“It took a village to make my dream and cookbook come alive,” Fong said. “Cookbooks take a long time because a lot of care and effort went into making the cookbook the exact book, I wanted it to be.”

Fong accredited her success to her editor Michael Szczerban and publisher, Voracious.

For Colorado bakers, she advised to cook the pies a little longer than what the recipe indicates. She indicated that everyone’s oven is different and recommends getting an oven thermometer, since the temperature on the oven is usually inaccurate. She also advises to use your senses such as sight to see if the pie is browning or smell by noticing if the aroma wafting throughout the house is intoxicating. Those are usually good indicators your pie is nearly done.

About the Author

Fong was born in Singapore, grew up in Hong Kong, and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. She is passionate about storytelling and connection through food.

“You can find common ground with pretty much anyone on this earth when you share a meal or a food memory with them. Plus having pie to share always sweetens the deal,” she said.

Besides pies, she loves music, especially tunes from Dolly Parton, John Prine, and Johnny Cash. When she travels, you can find her in record stores hunting for vintage country music. “The sadder, the better,” she said.

Delving into her captivating narrative promises not only an enriching literary experience but also an opportunity for personal connection. Purchase her book (available on Amazon) or learn more about the project at 50pies50states.com. Connect on Instagram @50pies50states

Colorado Pie

Colorado

Brooklyn

Photo Credit: Alanna Hale

Ahead of the June 11 release of his much-anticipated debut album, indie pop artist ego n friends will drop three new singles: “none of your business,” out now, “TMJ (That’s My Jam),” due May 9, and “BIG MISTAKE,” due May 27. Titled are u alone?, the album is an homage to growth and change, riffing on themes of reincarnation, self-discovery, and enlightenment.

Each of the three singles exudes a different energy, together providing a sampling of the forthcoming project’s variety.

A testament to ego n friends’s versatility and savvy use of contrast, are u alone? intermixes indie ballads with hip-hop beats, acoustic instruments with synths, and solo tracks with his namesake collaborations. But even when other talented artists take the mic, ego n friends is ever-present as the album’s maestro, taking charge of the production, mixing, and mastering of the entire album.

Subverting the traditional breakup song narrative, “none of your business” is a tale of rebirth, where the toxic ex exists only as a starting point to symbolize how far ego n friends has come.

As a nod to his earlier years in music, ego n friends revived one of his own previous tracks, “Fall From Heaven,” to create the eerie vocalizations in this song’s intro. Both sonically and lyrically, “none of your

business” is the connective tissue between the artist’s past and present selves. This transition plays out visually as well in the upcoming music video for “none of your business,” directed by Christian Hundley. Literalizing the concept of “ego death,” the video shows a tattered, beaten down version of ego n friends being buried by a fresher and brighter iteration of himself.

Funky, upbeat, and sure to get listeners moving, “TMJ (That’s My Jam)” features prolific MC and frequent ego n friends collaborator ReSrface. “TMJ (That’s My Jam)” dives headfirst into alternative rap. Here, ego n friends puts his reflective brooding aside in favor of pure celebration.

The final single, “BIG MISTAKE,” is a soulful collaboration with UMGsigned R&B singer Keenan Trevon, who has multiple appearances on are u alone?. Inspired by the end of a friendship, “BIG MISTAKE” considers how self perception shifts over time, casting a new light on old memories. Featuring all three singles plus the 2023 track “ibiza”, are u alone? is the culmination of ego n friends discovering his own artistic identity. As he declares on “none of your business” with the prophetic line “Imma stage dive on your small town,” he intends to shake up the music industry locally and globally. Welcome to the dawn of a new era of ego n friends.

denver-based desi artist ego n friends to release Debut Album

‘are u alone?’

By

Ego n friends is a multidimensional indie pop artist based in Denver, Colorado. Raised in the Bay Area by Indian immigrant parents, he began playing guitar as a pre-teen and was determined to pursue a career in music by the time he reached high school.

After relocating to Denver in 2021, ego n friends reintroduced himself with a steady rollout of singles and a 6-track EP, Rose Petals. He adopted the name “ego n friends” to highlight his vast network of collaborators, most of whom he considers close friends.

By working with a diverse community of artists in Colorado and beyond, he experimented with a range of genres before ultimately finding his niche in nostalgia-provoking indie pop and alternative hip-hop. His genre-bending sound is influenced by artists like Dominic Fike, Joji, Col3trane, and Frank Ocean.

Ego n friends is also a producer, audio engineer, and studio owner, who produces, mixes and masters all of his own music. His cinematic production style is characterized by unexpected samples, a dynamic use of sonic space, and a harmonious blend of acoustic and electronic tones. Follow on Instagram @egonfriends. Learn more about ego n friends at egonfriends.com.

Photo Credit: Andrew Hanson

Album Cover | Credit: Erik Branom

Cleo Mirza

AFFORDABLE HOUSING –

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• HUD-subsidized housing available for individuals 62 & older or persons with disabilities. Additional household members welcome.

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• Mandatory meal program. Exemptions offered. SNAP benefits accepted soon.

• Call, email, visit or download an application. Submit by email, in person, or fax. Drop off box in lobby open 24/7: 22 S. Adams St., Denver CO 80209 Info@KavodSeniorLife.org or www.KavodSeniorLife.org

• Contact us for help completing an application or to request a reasonable accommodation. Language assistance is available!

• Apartments are waitlisted. Contact Leasing department for current wait time.

Kavod Senior Life is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing housing and services to older adults and people with disabilities that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status.

WRITING & STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

$ A V E G R E E N B E G R E E N C O N F E R E N C E

T h e D e n v e r O f f i c e o f N o n p r o f i t E n g a g e m e n t

( D - O N E ) a n d i t s p a r t n e r s a r e p r o u d t o p r e s e n t a

n o - c o s t c o n f e r e n c e t h a t p r o v i d e s t i p s a n d

r e s o u r c e s f o r e n e r g y s a v i n g s , a v a i l a b l e f u n d i n g

o p p o r t u n i t i e s , c o n s e r v a t i o n e f f o r t s a n d

e n v i r o n m e n t a l m a n a g e m e n t .

N e w t h i s y e a r i s a n E x h i b i t H a l l f o r a t t e n d e e s t o

c o n n e c t w i t h l o c a l r e s o u r c e s , i n c l u d i n g

n o n p r o f i t s a n d g o v e r n m e n t e n t i t i e s . A P i t c h

C o m p e t i t i o n w i l l a l s o b e o p e n t o a l l 5 0 1 ( c ) 3

o r g a n i z a t i o n s - p r i z e s w i l l b e g i v e n t o s u p p o r t

e n e r g y - e f f i c i e n t b u i l d i n g u p g r a d e s !

V i s i t w w w . d e n v e r g o v . o r g / s g b g t o r e g i s t e r o r

s c a n t h e Q R C o d e !

TIME: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

RECEPTION: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 3701 COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80205