October 2020
Volume 15 | Issue 10
vote in the 2020 election meet the founder of mr. good-all
What will you see on the colorado ballot?
triet hoang
celebrate a socially-distant
halloween
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Jason Crow is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Colorado's 6th Congressional District, which includes Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Brighton, and parts of East Denver.
Jason is fighting in Congress to ensure Colorado gets the COVID-19 relief we need and funding for small businesses, COVID-19 testing, and vaccine research.
He defeated incumbent Mike Coffman in 2018.
A LEADER FIGHTING FOR COLORADO FAMILIES As a father of two young children, Jason understands the power of education and has worked to address the student debt crisis and make sure our schools are getting the resources they need. He helped introduce a resolution that condemns anti-Asian sentiment and discrimination as related to COVID-19 and supported the Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act to ensure that COVID-19–related services are available to uninsured individuals regardless of their immigration status. clima change and renewable energy, and fighting to stop toxic He is leading on climate chemicals being dumped into the water by corporate polluters.
jasoncrowforcongress.com Whether it's participating in the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, visiting the Sikh temples, attending the Great Wall Chinese Academy student graduation, or taking part in the citizenship naturalization ceremonies at the Asian Pacific Development Center, Jason is an advocate and supporter of Colo Colorado’s Asian community.
PRESIDENT’S NOTE To our Asian Avenue readers, This is a very important month for us all, as Election Day nears. Learn more about the ballot measures you will be voting on in Colorado, and make sure you get your ballots in — whether by mail, bringing it to a ballot drop-off location or voting in-person on November 3. Data shows that more AAPIs are planning to vote in this election than ever before and we hope to see a high turnout to ensure our voices are heard. In our cover story, we hear from local AAPIs about why it is important to vote and what issues matter most to them. Howard Chou, Chair of the Colorado AAPI Democrats, an initiative of the Colorado Democratic Party, says “I know people get tired of hearing it and it would seem that every election is deemed the most important, but this is truly the most important election of our lives.” As the Halloween holiday approaches, families are getting creative about how they will celebrate the spooky weekend while following social distance guidelines. Some communities are identifying which families will be giving out candy and providing the neighborhood with a map. We’ve also heard of families planning to leave out candy for trick-or-treaters to pick up or use a tube to drop candies directly into their bags. Of course, the CDC advises that the safest activities will be done at home—baking cookies and carving pumpkins. But if you are looking to still get a Halloween scare, check out a haunted house drive-thru! Lastly, this month, we profile Triet Hoang, a communications consultant, who founded Mr. Good-All, as well as Melanie Zhou, the co-founder of The Oasis Project, which promotes mental health supports in Colorado high schools. As always, I am so impressed by what our AAPI young adults are doing to make positive impacts on our communities. Learn more about how they got started and what keeps them motivated! Annie Guo VanDan, President | Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com
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FEATURE: The beverage industry adapts to COVID-19
Editorial Director MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ
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VOTING: AAPIs plan to vote in the election of our lifetime
Publisher & Founder CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO
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VOTING: Ballot measures on the Colorado ballot
OCT 2020
SPOTLIGHT: Meet the founder of Mr. Good-All,Triet Hoang
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RISING STAR: Melanie Zhou created The Oasis Project to raise awareness about teen mental health and depression
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CULTURE: Halloween 2020 can still be fun and spooky from a distance
COMMUNITY: Siblings Alex and Charlotte complete their Eagle projects despite the pandemic BOOK: What’s Left of Me is Yours by Stephanie Scott BOOK: Author of Chinese Brothers, American Sons Ed Shew shares his experience with race and racism TAIWAN: Trade negotiations by removing imports
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October 2020 | Table of Contents
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on the cover Vote, vote, vote! If you are an eligible voter, exercise your right and voice! 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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Ballot Measures Colorado will Vote on this November By Andrew Kenney, CPR News
Colorado voters this November will make decisions on nearly a dozen proposed changes to the state’s laws and constitution. It’s one of the longest statewide ballots in recent history, with three measures referred by state lawmakers, seven proposals from citizen groups and one effort to repeal a recently-passed state law. The decisions voters make on these questions will affect Colorado’s tax rates, government budgets, ecology and more.
NEW LAWS Proposition 113 - Adopt Agreement To Elect U.S. Presidents By National Popular Vote Colorado voters can choose to affirm or reject the legislature’s 2019 decision to join the National Popular Vote Compact. The Democratic-backed law could eventually bind Colorado and other states to commit their presidential election votes to the candidate who wins the most votes nationally, rather than the candidate who wins the state. Proposition 114 - Restoration of Gray Wolves Should Colorado reintroduce gray wolves on certain lands west of the Continental Divide? If approved, it could help an endangered species recover its place in Colorado’s ecology, but the measure faces criticism from ranchers who fear they’ll lose livestock to the predators. Proposition 115 - Prohibit Abortions After 22 Weeks If voters approve this measure, people in Colorado would be banned from having abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy, except when there’s a risk to the mother’s life. These types of abortions are only about 1.3 percent of all procedures and often are a result of parents receiving a life-altering diagnosis about the fetus. Proposition 116 - State Income Tax Rate Reduction This initiative would cut the state’s income tax rate from 4.63 percent to 4.55 percent. A person making $50,000 would see their tax burden fall by about $40. This
change would reduce the state government’s revenue by an estimated $170 million in the next fiscal year. Proposition 117 - Voter Approval Requirement for Creation of Certain Fee-Based Enterprises This would add a new TABOR-like provision to state law, requiring the state government to get voter permission before it creates major new “enterprises,” which are partially funded by fees. Colorado voters already have authority over tax increases and rarely approve them. Proposition 118 - Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program This initiative would mandate that employers provide 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for many Colorado workers, plus an additional four weeks in case of complications. The leave could be used for childbirth and other family medical situations. The law would offer paid leave benefits to workers who have earned at least $2,500 at their job. It also guarantees people won’t be fired while they’re on leave if they have been on the job at least 180 days. Proposition EE - Increase taxes on nicotine products If passed, this measure would raise an estimated $168 million next fiscal year by creating a new tax on nicotine vaping products and raising existing taxes on tobacco products. Vaping product taxes would start at 30 percent of the manufacturer’s price and eventually rise to 62 percent. The tax on cigarettes would ramp up from $0.84 a pack today to $2.64 a pack by 2027. Taxes on other tobacco products would grow from 40 percent today to 62 percent by 2027. The minimum price for cigarettes would be set at $7 per pack beginning in 2024.
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES Amendment 76 - Citizenship Qualification of Electors Should the state constitution be amended to explicitly require that Colorado voters must be U.S citizens? The state already bans non-citizens from voting, so opponents say this would accomplish little in practice. But its supporters argue that language needs strengthening and point to a handful of cities in other states that allow non-citizens to vote in some local elections. The state constitution currently says that “every citizen” may vote, while the amendment would change it to say that “only citizens” may vote. Amendment 77 - Local Voter Approval of Gaming Limits in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek When Colorado voters approved gambling in three historic mountain mining towns, it came with a lot of limits; casinos can only offer slots, blackjack, poker, craps and roulette, and as of 2008, individual wagers are capped at $100. This measure would allow voters in the three cities to approve additional games and higher bets. It also allows revenues to go to community colleges. Amendment B - Repeal Property Tax Assessment Rates Should Colorado repeal part of the Gallagher Amendment, which limits residential property taxes to 45 percent of the statewide tax base? If passed, the measure would prevent automatic cuts to residential property tax rates in the future. Homeowners’ bills won’t go down, but funding for schools, rural fire districts and other entities that rely on property taxes. Originally added to the state constitution in 1982, Gallagher effectively forces the state to lower residential property tax rates in order to keep residential tax revenue “balanced” with commercial property revenue. Amendment C - Bingo Raffles Allow Paid Help And Repeal 5-year Minimum Added to the ballot by the state legislature, this measure would change how charitable gaming activities are managed. It would shorten the time a nonprofit must operate in Colorado before it can apply for a charitable gaming license, from five years to three. It would also allow licensees to hire paid staff to operate their bingo games or raffles. Colorado Ballot | asian avenue magazine
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IN COLORADO 134,909
ELIGIBLE AAPI VOTERS
4.5% AAPI SHARE
OF ELECTORATE IN STATE
253,453 AAPI POPULATION Over a third of the AAPI population in Colorado live in Arapahoe, Denver, and El Paso Counties.
AAPI voters prepare to vote in the
“most important election of our lifetime” By Annie Guo VanDan Why Colorado Asian Americans Vote “With 200,000 deaths due to COVID-19, with the racial injustice causing civil unrest nationwide, with the economy in ruins and many small businesses in danger and family separation and detention centers full of freedom seeking refugees, and with much of the country on fire and in a climate crisis, our vote is the single most powerful civil tool we have to possibly resolve any of this,” said Howard Chou, Chair of the Colorado AAPI Democrats, an initiative of the Colorado Democratic Party. “I know people get tired of hearing it
and it would seem that every election is deemed the most important, but this is truly the most important election of our lives,” he said. “It’s important for Asian Americans to vote because we decide who will represent us and our values and what laws will impact our daily lives,” said Priscilla Rahn, a registered Republican in Douglas County. “It is vital for us to know what we value and then work to put great candidates into office. If we don’t vote, our voice as a community is overshadowed by politicians who will make decisions for us.”
DNC AAPI Caucus with Julian Castro (front right), former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and presidential candidate.
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October 2020 | Cover Story
Stephanie Tanny speaks about the movement she led to pass her first bill in 2011, which has now allocated over $1.5 million for sexual violence survivor support services and prevention education at her alma mater, Colorado State University. For Denver community organizer Stephanie Tanny, her motivation to vote is to influence policy changes that affect communities. “I used to be extremely shy and hated public speaking. However, I realized that speaking up and sharing your truth is the only way that any changes will be made.” “Voting isn’t just about a particular seat or position, but about the bills that will be passed that will serve or harm our communities. As a community organizer and fundraiser over the past decade, I have seen the lasting effects that one small policy change can have,” said Tanny.
AAPI Voter Turnout Unfortunately, in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, the voter turnout rate has been historically lower than other groups. In the 2012 election, AAPI voter turnout was 47 percent compared to 64 percent for white eligible voters and 67 percent for African American eligible voters. In 2016, there was a slight increase with a turnout rate of 49 percent from AAPIs, although still less than half. So why has Asian voter turnout been historically low? One reason is that when considering one in three AAPIs speak limited English, there has been limited language resources available to making voting more accessible. Although voting divisions are required to translate their ballots when their population has more than five percent of people sharing a language other than English or 10,000 limited-English speakers, only 22 counties or cities meet that requirement for any Asian language. And despite the legal right to bring a translator with you when voting, the Department of Justice has filed 12 lawsuits since 1998, citing discriminatory malpractices by poll workers -- accused of failing to provide voters with the appropriate resources in their language or denying their translators access to the polling stations. In Colorado, 69% of Asian Americans speak a language other than English at home, and of those, more than 44% speak English less than “very well.”
Additionally, when it comes to geography, AAPIs generally do not live in swing states, where the vast majority of political time and resources are focused. This results in AAPIs feeling that their vote is pointless. In the 2012 presidential election, voter turnout among the 12 most competitive states was at 66 percent, while voter turnout in the 39 other states was only at 57 percent. Involvement in Political Leadership Because voting is also not an isolated event or practice, but rather a “multigenerational habit,” often if immigrant parents do not vote, their first-generation children are less likely to vote, let alone get involved with politics. Chou, who was born in Shanghai and immigrated to the US in 1980, recalls his first memory of being politically active was when he was 16, during the Rodney King civil unrest in 1991. “I remember speaking at City Hall in San Mateo (California) about the injustice that Rodney King had suffered and that we can use our voices to fight the power of corruption. I didn’t see many AAPIs back then, but as I became more active, I found more and more that were advocating and working in the community to make a difference politically.” Chou spent his younger years in the San Francisco Bay Area. He moved to Colorado in 2007, and is now the only AAPI to hold a leadership position for a political party in Colorado. He was first elected as the
Vice Chair of the State Democratic Party in December of 2018 at a special vacancy election, and then re-elected to a full twoyear term in March 2019. “It’s something I take very seriously because I have an opportunity to continue to bring our values of equity and inclusion to the forefront and continue to expand our base and work to elect leaders who truly represent the people,” said Chou about his role as Vice Chair. “It also allows me to serve on the DNC to which I take great pride in representing Colorado values on the national scene.” If you watched this year’s Democratic National Convention, you may have seen Chou and his family representing Colorado during the roll call for the Democratic nomination. “I was completely floored and honored to carry the responsibility to deliver our national roll call for our state of Colorado,” he said. “Our roll call made several top ten lists in media outlets across the country for the best roll call video. My picture was featured on CNN, MSNBC, Politico, just to name a few. I am very proud to have represented Colorado and grateful that I was given the opportunity to share my story and how the pandemic has affected working families.” Tanny acknowledges the importance of AAPIs stepping into political leadership or elected office. “I love when I see other AAPIs in leadership positions,” said Tanny. The
Priscilla Rahn, a Denver educator, For more data about Asian American Pacific Islanders, visit aapidata.com. ran for CU Board of Regents in 2020. AAPI Voting | asian avenue magazine
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Howard Chou and his family represent Colorado during the roll call for the Democratic nominee at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. amount of influence and ability to mentor others is an awesome responsibility. I hope that not only can we convince more AAPIs to vote, but to get involved politically, whether that is running for office or serving on a local commission or board.” AAPIs Support Both Parties Although Asian Americans only make up four percent of eligible voters in the U.S., they are the fastest growing minority group. Despite many different subgroups within the population, AAPIs are now seeming to vote as a more cohesive bloc. Rahn, who is a public school educator, said: “As a community, we are very resourceful and independent. Asians are often entrepreneurs and leaders in innovation. We value family, religious freedom and a high quality education for our children.” “Millions of Asian immigrants have come to America in pursuit of the American dream and to escape oppressive governments. The Republican Party is the party that embraces freedom, independence and prosperity,” Rahn said. Historically, AAPIs have been more Republican: in the 1992 presidential election, a majority of Asian Americans supported George H.W. Bush at 55 percent, and in 1996, Asian Americans still continued to vote Republican with Bob Dole winning 48 percent of the Asian vote.
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October 2020 | Cover Story
Now, Asian Americans are increasingly voting Democrat faster than any other minority group. Key Issues Important to AAPIs For Rahn, she is concerned about education, the economy, and national and local safety. “We have huge problems in America with our approach to educating children. Progress hasn’t happened fast enough within our hardest to serve populations. We have left behind generations of children and it’s time that our politicians put our kids first and allow parents to have more of a voice in their child’s education.” She continued, “Many Asian small business owners have suffered under unfair and unconstitutional mandates
during COVID-19. Also, I support police training policy reforms, but do not support defunding the police. We need to take a look at our criminal justice laws.” Lastly, Rahn explains that Prop 113 about the national popular vote will be on the November ballot “Our constitution was written in a way that gave states a more equal voice by using the electoral college system. Without the balance of the electoral college, certain populations could have the power to make all of the decisions. Asians make up less than six percent of Colorado’s population, so our voices could become irrelevant and it would weaken Colorado on the national stage.” Tanny is also worried about small business owners, as well as essential workers. She added: “Whether it is COVID-19 or any of the myriad of issues that arose in 2020, many of these problems have been around for decades. I am most concerned about how marginalized communities are impacted. We need politicians that are committed to long term solutions.” Chou says that the current immigration policies have greater obstacles of naturalization of citizenship and some new immigrants are being detained and even separated at the border. “AAPIs also apply for a higher percentage of H1B Visas that the current administration has suspended, which hinders our U.S. economy and innovation,” he said. “This administration has also continued to use xenophobic and racist language in regards to COVID-19 and that has fueled anti-Asian attacks all across the country.”
Priscilla Rahn, front center, has served as the Chair of the Denver Public Schools Asian Education Advisory Council for more than 20 years.
Hopeful for a Strong AAPI Turnout in 2020 The 2020 Asian American Voter Survey, cosponsored by APIA Vote, AAPI Data, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC, shows that there may be a higher voter turnout than ever before. “Through this survey we see that Asian Americans are ready to exercise their power to vote in person or by mail,” said John C. Yang, Advancing Justice – AAJC president. According to the data, 54% of Asian American voters plan to vote by mail or absentee. “We need to make sure voters are requesting their ballots, voting early when possible, and given access to any language assistance they are entitled to,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote. The survey reached 1,569 Asian American registered voters nationally. Voting wasn’t the only issue top of mind for Asian Americans. At least two out of three people view immigration as extremely or very important in the election, with majorities supporting expanding access to health coverage to all people regardless of immigration status, and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. “Asian Americans saw a record high level of midterm election turnout in 2018,” said Karthick Ramakrishnan, director of AAPI Data, adding that “with a majority saying that they are even more enthusiastic than usual about this election suggests that we will see record turnout for Asian Americans for a presidential election in 2020.” See the survey results at apiavote.org/ research/2020-asian-american-voter-survey or visit aapidata.com for additional data.
WHY AAPI VOTERS MATTER We Shape Elections | The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) electorate is a formidable community with the power to shape and influence elections down the ticket throughout the country. Though the AAPI electorate is projected to double from 5.9 million eligible voters in 2015 to 12.2 million eligible voters in 2040, the strength of AAPI voters in many states today have been, and continue to, make their voices heard and influence the political process. Fastest Growing Population | AAPIs remain the fastest growing populations in the United States, at a rate of 46% and 40%, respectively, between the year of 2000 and 2010. This stands in comparison to a 10% population growth rate nationally. AAPI population growth partially stems from growing numbers of Asian immigrants, with more immigration coming from Asia since 2008 than any other part of the world. Representation Matters | There has been tremendous growth of AAPI representation throughout government. There are now over 600 AAPI elected officials in government at all levels, according to the National Asian Pacific American Political Almanac (15th ed). This includes positions in all branches of government, from legislative to judicial, local to federal. In the 2016 elections, there is an unprecedented number of AAPIs running for office across the country, including two AAPI women running for the U.S. Senate, and various new candidates for the House of Representatives. AAPI voters are important because our voices in the political and policy discourse must reflect our priorities and needs—which may also be accomplished by electing more AAPIs to office. Impactful Economic Strength | The growth of AAPI influence and power extends beyond the political sphere, into all aspects of American society. For example, AAPIs are integral to the success of the American economy—Census data shows that the AAPI community contributes nearly $1.1 trillion to the economy every year, and AAPI owned businesses employ 3.6 million Americans across the country. AAPIs as business owners, consumers, and active members of America’s economy have an important role in shaping the future of our collective communities. The decisions made by today’s leaders must reflect the growing needs and roles of AAPIs in American society, beginning with appreciating the power of our votes.
Stephanie Tanny (right) and her sister Shalyn spent an evening together filling out their ballots in 2018.
Learn more at apiavote.org AAPI Voting | asian avenue magazine
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TRIET HOANG—or Mr. Good-All—is a communication development consultant on a mission to help overwhelmed, frustrated individuals and small creative teams make their ideas actionable. He dances in the crew Machinez Remainz and was previously a personal trainer and manager at a small business fitness facility.
l l f o A r e d n u d o F o t e o e M G . r M
G N A O H T E I TR
mrgood-all.com
Visit to learn more about Triet’s services, listen to his podcast episodes, and read his blogs! 10
October 2020 | Spotlight
Asian Avenue magazine (AAm): What inspired you to start Mr. Good-All? And what is the concept behind it? I started Mr. Good-All in February 2019 in order to help others make their ideas a reality. The concept behind the name is that I can only get you to ‘good.’ You, yourself, will have to put in the work to reach greatness. The “All” is a combination of all the skills that I acquired over the years from vastly different professions and blended together to help others succeed in their creative pursuits. I love listening to individuals’ ideas and their passion and assisting them in achieving their goals. I believe it requires a blend of business fundamentals and creative experiences to understand and help creative teams and individuals address their difficulties. AAm: What is a story that stands out to you from your interviews? Peter Pham and I co-host Hangout Talks, sharing entrepreneurship stories and self-development advice though a “hanging out” with friends vibe. There have been so many stories shared in our podcast interviews. The ones that stand out are the brutally honest stories of the difficult but joyful journey of entrepreneurship. Where there is no security, but passion and grit drive the work every day. Lastly, from our life coach guests, they have said, when we think we are behind in life, ask ourselves, “Who are we behind?” “Behind in what?” “Who are we comparing ourselves too?”
AAm: What was your childhood like growing up in a Vietnamese immigrant family in Denver? I’m the youngest of four—one brother and two sister. Our family came to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1988 when I was one and we have lived in Denver ever since. As most of us have experienced, life in Vietnam during those times were difficult. Our family lived in huts with dirt floors and metal sheets and branches as roofs. It was hard to make friends when I didn’t speak any English or Spanish living on Federal Blvd. I learned English from watching cartoons at my parents’ friend’s house as both of my parents worked multiple jobs, and siblings were in school. To be honest, I think I learned most of my English from watching Barney—no shame! AAm: You recently received your Master’s degree. How will you apply your learnings to Mr. Good-All? I received my Master’s degree in Communication Management, concentration in Organizational Development from the University of Denver. The degree forms a solid foundation and methods for Mr. Good-All. The bases of the degree are to understand and help organizations change to reach the results they desire. I can better discover and understand the underlying reasons “why” individuals or teams are not completing tasks that lead them to their ideal results.
QA &
AAm: How has dance inspired you or played a role in who you are today? My crewmates (pictured below fromleft to right: Triet Hoang, Ricky Al, JeanLuc Burgess, Ben Thao, and Nathan Tran) and dance, in general, inspires me so much, and it still does until this day. Dance helps me not think so much—I am a huge “thinker”—and it allows me to feel and be in the moment. It helps me tell stories non-verbally while expressing how I feel and what the music is saying during that moment and time. Most importantly, it helps me appreciate the “behind the scenes” work and the progress along the way and not just be fixated on reaching the final show, competition, etc. AAm: What are your other interests? I love being active and traveling. Hiking, playing sports (even ones I am not good at), eating different foods, and spending time with my fiancée, friends, and family. I also love watching paranormal TV shows because I will never visit a haunted place at night. But I will definitely watch it on screen! Machinez Remainz Crew
AAm: Why is sharing inspirational stories important? My mission is to inspire, motivate and promote action—positive action. To get to positive action, we need to change the focus on what we can’t control to things that we can control. We naturally draw our focus to negative situations, and those are the ones that typically replay in our heads the most. If we can have more exposure to positive, inspirational, and honest stories, our focus can shift, followed by action.
Founder of Mr. Good-All | asian avenue magazine
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Melanie Zhou A graduate of ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. and a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education Award recipient, is currently studying biological engineering at Stanford University. By Lina Zhu
First Generation Immigrant
“
Before Melanie was born, her parents and sister immigrated how to balance her two identities: Chinese and American. from China to Singapore to the U.S.; she was the first person in She attended school Mondays through Fridays with her Enher family born in the U.S. She attributes her success largely to glish-speaking teachers and classmates, and then participatthe sacrifices made by her parents to ed in Chinese language school on ensure she could receive the best edBeing at the intersection of two Sundays. However, living with two ucation and opportunities in the U.S. and racial identities can cultures means the opportunity cultural “My family’s history is a strong be “hard emotionally and socially,” to learn twice as much; to motivator in my desire to succeed,” Melanie said. she said, “I hope to make my family “Being at the intersection of two contribute twice as much; to proud.” cultures means the opportunity to love twice as much. For many young Asian Americans, learn twice as much; to contribute exploring and finding their own identities is a common dis- twice as much; to love twice as much. I am very proud of my covery while growing up. From a young age, Melanie learned identity and how being Asian American is a big part of it.”
The Oasis Project Melanie started The Oasis Project after a classmate committed suicide in Spring 2018. The project aims to destigmatize the mental health conversation in high schools and beyond because mental health is overlooked and disregarded in society. “Especially in Asian culture, mental health is not a popular topic of conversation,” Melanie said. She and her team build physical mental health “oasis” rooms in high schools that provide counseling support and innovative coping techniques. The nonprofit organization has delivered treatment to more than 3,000 students. They have piloted a physical “oasis” room at ThunderRidge High School and will be expanding to
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October 2020 | Rising Star
three new locations in this upcoming school year. When Melanie and her co-founder Mia Hayden first started the project, one of the challenges was to gain credibility as high school students. “Many adults would dismiss us because of our youth,” she said. However, Melanie and her team pivoted and used their youth as an advantage. They created a self-sustaining merchandise revenue model based on Gen-Z buying habits and participated in many entrepreneurship pitches. After successfully pitching for $10,000 from the Fight Back Foundation and $100,000 from Denver Startup Week, the organization really took off!
Receiving the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar Award Due to her strong community involvement and excellent academic achievement, Melanie received the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Award. This award recognizes the nation’s top 20 students who have demonstrated accomplishments in career-related fields like business and technology. Unlike the larger U.S. Presidential Scholars Award (161 students selected), which is based on SAT/ACT achievement, the CTE Award requires a nomination from the Chief State School Officer and strongly factors leadership and community service. “I was very surprised to receive this award. It’s still hard for me to fathom,” she said.
This experience also further sparked Melanie’s interest in exploring technology and neuro-engineering as it relates to mental health. She is currently studying biological engineering at Standard University, and she believes neurotechnology could potentially provide an equitable solution to many mental health struggles that exist today. Melanie’s current career goal is to expand Oasis and bring it to college campuses. Beyond that, she hopes to join the startup industry after college and create a successful company that connects technology, mental health, and social responsibility. Follow her on Instagram at: @melanie.zhou
Learn more about The Oasis Project and sign up to receive updates at: oasismentalhealth.org.
Melanie Zhou | asian avenue magazine
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Halloween 2020 Planning for a family friendly, socially distant holiday By Lina Zhu & Lijin Zhao
Ancient Origins of Halloween Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter—a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. By 43 A.D., the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory and two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the tradi-
tional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain explains the tradition of bobbing for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
Did you know? One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween. History of Trick-or-Treating Borrowing from European traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition. In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers than about ghosts, pranks and witchcraft. At the turn of the
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We will be dressing up with my son Logan, baking Halloween cookies,carving pumpkins, and having grandparents and I give out candy in the backyard. We are skipping on going to doorto-door as well as giving out candy, as it’s coronavirus plus flu season, so we are planning on being more cautious. Can’t wait until we feel safe enough to go trick-or-treating again! - Jenny Cheuk, Aurora
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October 2020 | Culture
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century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day. Parents were encouraged to take anything “frightening” or “grotesque” out of Halloween celebrations. Because of these efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century.
becoming popular in large cities including Los Angeles, Orlando, Houston and even Tokyo. In Denver, City of the Haunt (cityofthe deadhaunt.com) is offering the drive in haunted house. The website says: “Thisyear for the first time ever, we’re letting the monsters out and bringing them to you in the “safety” of your parked vehicle.”
Did you know? More people are buying costumes for pets. 20 percent did so in 2018, up from 16 percent in 2017.
2020 Denver Halloween events In Denver, you can also join Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse for a spooky movie series in their backyard space. Enjoy themed cocktails and nibbles at each show for $5 per person.
The Union Station will transform into “Boonion Station” for its family-friendly Halloween celebration on Oct. 29, 2020. Families with little ones will love trickor-treating at the shops, participating in a costume parade and a contest with prizes for best costume and best group/ family costume. There will be adult drink specials for the grown-up goers.
Halloween under COVID-19 Flash forward to the present and each region of the world is currently living under various threat levels of COVID-19. Many of the usual Halloween events have already been cancelled. And those that are still planning to go ahead have shifted to more family-friendly and socially-distant events. CDC Recommendations The CDC says that lower risk activities can be safe alternatives, and recommends: • Carving or decorating pumpkins with family, friends, and neighbors at a safe distance and displaying them • Decorating your house, apartment, or living space • Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children look for Halloween-themed things while they walk around the neighborhood admiring Halloween decorations at a distance • Having a virtual Halloween costume contest or a Halloween movie night with people you live with The rise in drive-thru haunted houses Most haunted houses are expected to be closed in 2020. However, a unique new drive-thru haunted experience is
Joanne Liu with her daughter Melody and son Ryden dress up as Princess, Mario and Yoshi in 2018.
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We always do family costumes for Halloween so we are still dressing up at home. My daughter Melody’s birthday is right before Halloween so we are celebrating with a real life Candy Land game in the house. Every move will have candy so the kids will carry a bucket as they play. I have also heard of a family setting up a PVC pipe candy slide so kids can put their buckets underneath the pipe to catch the candy to follow social distancing standards. - Joanne Liu, Denver
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The Liu Family love to dress for Halloween each year; last year, they dressed up as a sushi family.
Halloween 2020 | asian avenue magazine
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Beverage
The
Industry Teas by
Fortune Tealer fortunetealer.com
Those working in the beverage industry have one thing in common—a passion for the work they do! Now with COVID-19,they are adapting to this new world. By Mary Jeneverre Schultz After college, Filipino-American Tiana Karnopp found her calling when she created the Fortune Tealer before turning 21. She built the business on three basic principles: holistic, herbal and healing wellness. “I intuitively was guided to put herbs together that meshed well together,” said Karnopp, who started making her own herbal tea when she moved into her first apartment back in 2017. Tea is big According to recent statistics by Statista Market Forecast, tea is the second most widely consumed beverage globally, following only water.
Laws Whiskey House lawswhiskeyhouse.com
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October 2020 | Feature
After graduating from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Karnopp handcrafted quality tea with intention and purpose. She points out different flavors such as hibiscus berry is a natural method of managing blood pressure and reducing cholesterol, while green tea is ideal for focus and reduction of anxiety. Other examples include peppermint for mood and chamomile for relaxation. Karnopp shared her research, learning how to mix and create the right juxtaposing of flavors. Online business While she mostly sells online, she also receives orders through referrals and word
of mouth. She is learning how to use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to spread the word about her tea business. Before the pandemic, Karnopp was job hunting. However, the pandemic allowed her to focus on building her business online while quarantining at home with family. “It was God’s timing,” she said. “Everything just fell into place.” And Karnopp might have found the next big thing. In 2018, China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Indonesia were among the main tea producers. With the growing popularity of tea, It’s no wonder how consumers can find such a wide selection of tea both in stores and online.
Filipino-American Kryszelda Mendoza is a part of the tour guide crew at Laws Whiskey House in Denver, where she teaches the history of bourbon. It isn’t just a job for Mendoza; it feeds her curiosity about bartending. “The tour is more in-depth and educational than other whiskey tours,” she said. “We talk about the history of whiskey, process and fermentation, how to make whiskey, and give a chalkboard demonstration.” During COVID-19, Laws Whiskey House paused their tours and in-person events.
An interest in science Teaching comes natural to her because during the weekdays, Mendoza is the assistance principal for a middle school called Denver School of Science and Technology. She taught ninth grade physics for Chicago Public Schools. More than five years ago, Mendoza was dabbling in the art of mixology as a hobby. Since she taught science, she loved the idea of mixing flavors with different types of alcohol. “The science of it fascinated me,” she said.
Make a lot of sake Those who enjoy sake can bring their friends and family curious to this tasting room. Colorado Sake Company increases awareness of its sake products through weekly brewery tours and participation in local wine/beer festivals throughout the state. The operation produces 6,000 liters of sake each month, dedicating half to its tasting room and the other 50 percent to local restaurants and liquor stores. Production keeps increasing because of great demand. By November, operations expect a production of 10,000 liters. “We make a LOT of sake,” Stuart said.
Colorado Sake Company coloradosakeco.com
Sake, an alcoholic drink traditionally used for solemn rituals in Japan, is becoming a favored, quintessential drink of choice around trendy bars in metropolitan cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Denver. The ancient brew provides a light taste of vodka or could be compared as a “decaf” tequila. More than 500 sake breweries are operating in Japan with dozens in the United
States. And there is one in Denver, the Colorado Sake Company. William Stuart, owner of Colorado Sake Company, indicated the tasting room offers 12 different sakes on tap. Colorado was selected as a desirable location, not just for its majestic mountains, but for the water. “Colorado water is similar to the water in Japan, Stuart said. “We have soft mountain water runoff, which fits sake brewing extremely well.”
Location Based in the RiNo Arts District, the sake tasting room complements the 17 breweries, two cideries and two wineries in the artsy neighborhood, just minutes away from downtown Denver. “This neighborhood seemed like a perfect fit for a sake brewery, since we are different from the other establishments and the consumers are into local craft beverages,” he said.
COMRADE BREWING COMPANY comradebrewing.com
Like all concerts, festivals and annual events, the Great American Beer Fes (GABF) is cancelled, opting for a virtual event. Considered one of the largest beer festivals in the U.S., the virtual event will be two days instead of three days. Owner and founder of Comrade Brewing Company David Lin is crossing his fingers that regular beer aficionados continue to support GABF by experiencing the virtual platform. “I hope that people have bought a GABF Passport and make their own beer festival,” he said. “Colorado has been called the ‘Napa Valley of Beer’.” There are more than 300 breweries in the state and the GABF is a great way to check out something new. Despite the strict regulations on social distancing in the brewery, Comrade Brewing Company is packed with brew lovers. But Lin is seeing some challenges operating during COVID-19 times.
“It’s completely different, we’re operating at 25 percent capacity, now offer table service, shortened the hours and there has been a lot of cleaning,” he said. “It’s stressful to keep up with the ever-changing rules and I think everyone has some fatigue about the social distancing requirements.” “We’re all working very hard to provide
a safe and friendly taproom experience.” Lin recommends ordering the 2019 GABF Gold Medal Superpower IPA, adding that it’s the brewery’s number one seller and always on tap. Beverage Industry | asian avenue magazine
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What thirsty Japanese drink By Gil Asakawa
Japan is well-known for several brands of beer: Sapporo, Kirin, Asahi and Okinawa’s Orion are often served in the U.S. The country’s also known for sake, the rice wine that has many regional variations and some familiar brands are available in American liquor stores and restaurants in a range of prices from $8 a bottle (great for cooking) to $30 and more. In recent years, Japan has even become known for its whisky, and some of the premium bottles are regarded as better than U.S. and U.K. whiskies. But for most Japanese (including people like me who are allergic to alcohol), day-today thirst-quenching features a unique mix of soft drinks, a dizzying array of bottled cold and fresh-brewed hot tea, an increasing sophistication for coffee, and of course water. Don’t think of the typical cup of tea in a dainty cup, steeped in a ceramic pot of boiling water – sure there’s plenty of loose tea and green tea varieties still made and consumed every day throughout Japan. But Japanese are often on the go, and lots of their tea is bottled. There are many variations, but the main types are plain green tea (sencha or plain ocha), green tea with roasted rice (genmai cha) or roasted green tea (hojicha). Other popular types of bottled tea – often available in the US at shops including Pacific Mercantile and Pacific Ocean Market
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October 2020 | Feature
– include oolong tea (ooroncha) and barkey tea (mugicha, especially popular iced during hot weather). For years, Japanese didn’t have a taste for coffee – their idea of great coffee was Sanka or Taster’s Choice instant coffee. Now that Starbucks has spread throughout the country and homegrown coffee roasters and shops have sprung up throughout Japan, you can find Japanese brands of canned and bottled iced coffee (such as the popular brands “Boss”). Japanese soft drinks tend to avoid sugar-laden syrupy drinks like Coca Cola or Pepsi. You can find them in vending machines or stores but usually in smaller-sized cans (no Big Gulps in Japan!). But one of the most popular in Japan is a sweet syrupy yogurt drink called Calpis. When the drink was first imported to the US, it didn’t sell to Americans, because of the unique flavor, but mostly because saying it in English sounded like you were asking for “cow urine.” So it’s now available as “Calpico” here, bottled, canned and in concentrated syrup form. Several varieties of flavors have been added, like mango, peach and lychee. Other popular non-alcoholic drinks in Japan include sports drinks (one of the most popular is “Pocari Sweat” a name that works in Japan but sounds awkward in the US), and of course plain bottled water.
Tasting Menu
Scouting
DURING A PANDEMIC It’s maddening to quarantine for a long period of time. But for two scouts, who are brother and sister, the quarantine meant focusing and finishing their Eagle Projects within days of each other. With great support from their family, friends and community, Alex and Charlotte Beatson achieved completion of their Eagle Projects at the end of May. Alex, who is 13 years old, earned his Eagle Scout rank in July and Charlotte will earn it on October 1, which is the very first day the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are allowing girls to have their Board of Review. On that day, she will be one of the first females in the country to achieve Eagle Scout! “Scouts has been a great opportunity for me to learn and grow in my leadership skills,” said Charlotte Beatson.
Eagle Scout Service Project The Eagle Scout Service Project is the opportunity for a scout in the BSA to demonstrate leadership while performing a project for the benefit of the community. The siblings raised funds and planned two
During Alex’s Eagle Court of Honor
separate projects involving the creation of a community garden. Charlotte designed and built the greenhouse at St. Mary’s Parish and School in Littleton while Alex installed the 6-foot tall chain link fence that encloses the 2,000 square foot community garden. Anselm Beatson, father of the siblings, expressed great joy in watching his children “learn to become leaders.” He admits to joining them on backpacking adventures, campouts and many community service projects. Both he and his wife Christie participate in their children’s scouting activities as committee members on both of their troops and help organize some of the activities like summer camp. Unfortunately this year both official summer camps were cancelled at the last minute due to the pandemic, but the scouts found other safe and fun ways to camp.
Girls Can Be Boy Scouts Too Charlotte is now 16, three years older than Alex. She confessed she followed her little brother for five years to the majority of his Cub Scout events. With great enthusiasm, Char-
Cooking with other boy scouts
Charlotte and Alex working on Eagle Projects By Mary Jeneverre Schultz lotte joined Boy Scouts at the first opportunity - February 1, 2019 - the very day the BSA allowed girls to join and start their own troops. Girls can now do everything the boys have been doing and accomplishing since 1910, including earn the rank of Eagle Scout. “So far being involved in the organization has been a great experience,” she said. “It has been a lot of fun, I have met great people, and learned valuable skills while giving service to others.”
Favorite Parts of Scouting Backpacking, hiking and camping are favorite activities of the siblings. “I love backpacking trips, and how on these trips we work as a team and the adventure they offers,” Alex said. By October 1, both Alex and Charlotte will have earned their Eagle Rank, a feat only 4% of scouts accomplish—the pandemic certainly did not stop them! Learn about their troops at: troop-361.com trooponefourteengirls.com
Backpacking: Merit Badge, Machu Picchu
Scouting During a Pandemic | asian avenue magazine
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What’s Left of Me Is Yours Author: Stephanie Scott ISBN: 9780385544702 Pages: 331 | Price: $26.95 Release Date: 4/21/2020 Publisher: Doubleday Learn more about the book and its author at: stephaniescottauthor.com Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz
Sometimes you read a piece of passion-related crime and wonder what motivated the incident. What were the stories leading up to the crime? What emotions were involved? Why? The most compelling part of the What’s Left of Me is Yours is a note from the editor, Margo Shickmanter. She shares how she heard about an international story, a passion of crime. Ten years later, this manuscript takes that story and explores all the dimension of the love triangle.
Connect with the Author: Twitter & Instagram: @StephanieWScott 20
October 2020 | Book
affair that shattered a family. The story line is haunting. A daughter attempts to learn more about her mother by understanding how the events ended up so tragic. It’s also incomprehensible that an industry called “wakaresaseya” is striking as something to break up marriages. While the book length of more than 300 pages is a little daunting, it’s hard to put down. Avid readers will race through the book to find out the ending. It is an emotional book, filled with sadness, nostalgia and even a little anger as hope is Summary | Betrayal, love, and the price crushed at the end. we pay for the lies we tell: all are at the center of Stephanie Scott’s gripping de- Author | Stephanie Scott is a Singaporbut novel. Set in modern-day Tokyo and ean-British writer who was born and inspired by a true crime that captured the raised in Southeast Asia. She read Enworld’s attention in 2010, this tale of love glish literature at the Universities of York and murder is based on nine years of in- and Cambridge and holds an Master of tricate research. Studies in creative writing from Oxford Scott brilliantly provides a bird’s-eye University. She was awarded a British view of the “wakaresaseya” (literally Association of Japanese Studies Toshi“breaker-upper”) industry, and inter- ba Studentship for her anthropological viewed defense attorneys, police officers, work on What’s Left of Me Is Yours and has families, and anthropologists in order to been made a member of the British Japleave no stone unturned in her portray- anese Law Association as a result of her al of contemporary Japan. This novel research. She has won the A. M. Health follows a young woman’s search for the Prize and the Jerwood/Arvon Price for Littruth about her mother’s life — and the erature; this is her first novel.
What does it mean to ‘belong’ as Asians in America This novel celebrates and illuminates the struggles and achievements of a largely-ignored group in the rich history of the U.S. - the Cantonese men who conquered building the toughest part of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad - the tunnels through the granite of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Chinese Brothers, American Sons tells the little-known story of these brave adventurers through the eyes of two brothers, Li Chang and Li Yu, who arrive in San Francisco in 1854 in search of the Gold Mountain. Despite being the target of racism and not fitting in, their journey is one of hope and triumph - the Chinese brothers are no longer invisible, they are now American sons. Every group that has immigrated to America has struggled to “fit in” while battling the hatred and discrimination from those already established. First there was the “Yellow Peril” and later xenophobic myths that Asians were disease carriers, a threat to the nation and could never truly become American. Now history repeats itself with the mantra of President Trump, calling COVID-19 the “Chinese Virus” and the “Kung-flu.” Since the pandemic, there have been more than 2,500 reported “hate-crime” attacks against Asians in the United States. In “Chinese Brothers, American Sons,” Li Chang and the younger brother Li Yu constantly try to “fit in” amidst the racism of outright hostility or microaggression of thoughtless, unintentional racism and violence of the macho west. They faced discriminatory western laws, ruthless railroad moguls, and endured the back- and mind-breaking construction of the treacherous, western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad, and yes, American food. My family also tried to “fit in.” A poignant story was when I was in second grade, and my mother was invited to a potluck. She cooked a Cantonese dish of tomato, green pepper and beef—food usually reserved for Sunday’s special meal prepared by father. No one sampled mother’s food. I vividly recall the heartache in her face. She did not “fit in.” When she turned her back, I quickly scooped up several servings of the
tasty dish and gobbled them down. Later, knowing some of that food had been eaten, her countenance was joyful—I was happy, too. It is common in Chinese culture to not question authority, to not be problematic or opinionated. Thus, a defining moment while I was working in human resources was when I heard an employee grievance on behalf of a new HR director. The director advised me to remember that I was part of management and to make my decision accordingly, and I responded that my recommendation would be based on an objective investigation. I was never asked to hear another grievance. I proudly did not “fit in” the stereotype. I’ve even been asked, “Don’t you think you’ve benefited from being Asian?” After being spat at a couple times during the Vietnam War, denied employment and housing, and stopped seven times for traffic violations—and not once given a warning, always receiving a ticket—well, I hide my scornful smile. I also believe every Asian American is wounded when asked, “Where are you from?,” which continues to cast us as “perpetual foreigners.” What irks me is that unless one is hung by one’s neck, the racism directed towards Asian Americans, specifically Chinese, is often dismissed. In fact, the largest mass lynching in the U.S. happened on October 24, 1871, in Los Angeles, when 18 Chinese immigrants were tortured and then
Learn more or purchase the book at: earnshawbooks.com.
Ed Shew was born in 1949 to Chinese parents in St. Louis, Missouri. His story of trying to ‘fit in’ is reflected in his novel, as well as this editorial. hanged while a crowd of white onlookers watched and even cheered. But I have learned that the fundamental elements of fear, ignorance and arrogance are common to all racial tragedies. To rank historical struggles by one’s race serves no purpose. In the novel, the scared, unsure boy Li Yu becomes a confident, guiding force of the Chinese railroad workers’ strike. Like Li Yu, I have evolved. For nearly six years, I assisted with the effort to expand Medicaid. Colorado opted in for Medicaid expansion in 2013. In August, voters in Missouri passed expansion that provides health insurance for the working poor. The night it passed, Facebook pages exploded with celebratory messages from supporters. I received several messages. One said, “Ed, you were the first person to speak to me about why Medicaid expansion is important to you and why you were involved in making this happen... Personal conversations like that make a difference.” Another told me, “I voted yes, thanks to your promoting on the issue.” This is an example of how we can make a difference for the lives of others. “Belonging is being somewhere where you want to be, and they want you. Belonging is being accepted for you. Fitting in is being accepted for being like everyone else,” Brene Brown, Ph.D. said. I have made that evolution from always trying to “fit in” to knowing that I “belong.” Book | asian avenue magazine
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Taiwan preparing for trade negotiations by removing import barriers
By Jerry Chang Director General Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver
On August 28, 2020, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen announced the government’s critical decision to ease the restrictions on the import of beef from U.S. cattle aged 30 months or older and pork with permissible raptopamine residue levels, both effective January 1, 2021. The move will provide greater access for farmers and ranchers across the United States to Taiwan’s meat markets, and for Taiwan’s consumers to high-quality U.S. meat products. At this very moment, U.S.-Taiwan relations are at their strongest level in decades, with two-way trade also playing a significant and critical role. Taiwan is America’s 9th largest trading partner and 7th largest agricultural export destination. Its current restrictions
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October 2020 | Taiwan Update
on U.S. beef and pork imports are stricter than international standards, which are an obstacle to broadening bilateral economic cooperation. President Tsai emphasized that the decision was made based on comprehensive assessment. It is consistent with Taiwan’s overall national interest and future strategic development goals. By taking this major step to adopt international standards, Taiwan is displaying its determination to resolve the issue and move forward with negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the U.S. A fair and reciprocal BTA between the U.S. and Taiwan will further strengthen two-way trade, enabling U.S. businesses to gain a competitive edge in Taiwan’s market. We trust it is an ideal timing to initiate the process of negotiations after the removal of the barriers. We are therefore encouraging all interested parties in the U.S. to look ahead to the exciting prospect of the recent development surrounding beef and pork products, as well as to show support for the many opportunities a trade agreement is sure to promise for a wide range of U.S. businesses.
Photo Courtesy of Taiwan Review
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver represents Taiwan’s interest in Colorado and five Midwestern states. The Office promotes bilateral relations between Taiwan and this region of the U.S., and provides consular services including renewing passports, issuing visas and authenticating documents. Visit the TECO Denver website at: roc-taiwan.org/usden/index.html, Facebook @tecodenver (fb.com/tecodenver) or Twitter @TECO_Denver.
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