Asian Avenue Magazine - September 2023

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

MARK YOUR Calendar asian chamber of commerce gala

Friday, October 6, 2023 7:00pm ameristar casino resort spa Summit ballroom 5th floor black hawk, Colorado 80422

Ameristar is offering a 30% discount on rooms Friday 10/6 and Saturday 10/7 for guests attending the gala When making room reservations, please use promo code: DISC30

Korean buffet for dinner

Beer donated by Molson Coors

Tickets $100/person Register to attend at: www.acccolorado.org

ASIAN AVENUE - PRESIDENT’S NOTE

September is here! This month we celebrate the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival by taking the time to admire the moon and all the fascinating elements it has to offer! The moon shines its bright light in our night sky, causes seasonal changes and influences tides, and it keeps the Earth’s tilt stabilized. In addition to appreciating science, we can also enjoy moon cakes, which you can find at the local Asian supermarkets, as well as dessert shops such as Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt. Even individuals are making them at home and selling online!

Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine

Connect with us!

hello@asianavemag.com

@asianavemag

Congratulations to our (part-time) Editorial Director Mary J. Schultz, who recently began a new role with the city of Denver (see below). We appreciate all of her contributions to the magazine and look forward to the impact she will make for the city. And as she enters this government role, we say good-bye to Derek Okubo, who has served as the executive director of the Denver Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships for the past 12 years. Thank you, Derek, not only for your service to the city, but all of your activism and support for our Asian American communities.

Lastly, learn more about the city of Aurora in this issue—its Korea Town Aurora designation, its signature annual event Global Fest, and a new friendship city relationship with New Taipei City in Taiwan. The diversity of the city truly makes it one of a kind!

D-ONE Welcomes New Management for its Energy Efficiency Program

The Denver Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships’ Office of Nonprofit Engagement (D-ONE) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mary Herreria-Schultz as the new Project Manager for its Energy Efficiency Program.

“We are so very excited to add Ms. Herreria-Schultz to the D-ONE team,” says Director Wil Alston. “Her breadth and depth of community combined with her background in media and outreach presented us with an impeccable set of credentials that will go a long way in further evolving this critical program.”

Congrats to our Editorial Director, Mary

As Program Manager, Herreria-Schultz will lead the department’s energy efficiency program, including oversight and management of: program contractors, the energy efficiency advisory board, the annual Save Green-Be Green Conference, strategic partnerships with Xcel Energy, and she will assist citywide efforts to increase participation in the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).

Herreria-Schultz is co-chair for the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership. She also volunteers her time with the Colorado Asian Culture Education Network and contributes regularly as the editorial director for Asian Avenue Magazine, a local publication that elevates the voices of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians in Denver and its surrounding suburbs. Other professional associations include: On Havana Business Improvement District and the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Herreria-Schultz earned a B.A. in Communications and Political Science from California State Universi ty-Fullerton, and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University.

J. Schultz!

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

Moon cakes are given as gifts and eaten during the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival. This cover has been designed using assets from Freepik.com.

Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine

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

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

8 EVENT CALENDAR

9 SPOTLIGHT: Office Tien Nguyen aims to bring more diversity to the Aurora Police Department

10 FEATURE: Derek Okubo retires after 12 years leading human rights agency for city of Denver

12 COVER STORY: Mid-Autumn Festival is around the corner and it’s time for moon cakes!

16

FEATURE: Experience Korean culture from every angle in Korea Town Aurora

10

18 RESTAURANT PEEK: CôNu’s Corner Càfê delights the Highlands area with its Vietnamese dishes

19 ON SCENE: Recaps about the OCA Panda 5K Run, ElevAsian Night Market, and Chinatown Mural Launch

20 ON SCENE: Aurora Global Fest kicks off with announcement of new friendship with New Taipei City and thousands attend the cultural event

22 TAIPEI UPDATE: Unite for Peace in the World

21

ASIAN AVENUE MAGAZINE P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 303.937.6888

E-mail: hello@asianavemag.com

www.asianavemag.com

ASIAN AVENUE TEAM

upcoming events

Japanese Cooking Class

Sanshoku Gohan

Sunday, Sept 10 4:30pm to 6pm Zoom

$10 JASC members, $15 non-members includes ingredients jascolorado.org

Join this cooking class with Japan America Society to make Sanshoku Gohan, which means a meal in a bowl. Three (san) different color toppings: seasoned meat (or tofu), scrambled egg, and a green veggie are set on top of hot rice (gohan) for a blend of classic Japanese flavors. Traditionally made with ground chicken you can substitute ground beef, pork, or tofu. This is very easy to make and the slightly sweetened meat makes it a favorite with kids. We round the meal out with a simple miso soup. And for a special treat we celebrate the fall fruit, apples, by learning how to make an apple bunny – essential for every kid’s bento box.

Nepalese Teej Festival

Saturday, Sept. 16 | 6pm to 10pm Meadow Park Community Center

1943 S. El Paso Ave, Colorado Springs

Free to attend | Donations welcome

Nepalese Association of Colorado Springs on Facebook

Colorado4Maui Benefit Event

Sunday, Sept. 17 | 11am to 7pm

Arapahoe County Fairgrounds

25690 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora colorado4maui.org

Join local Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) organizations including Hālau Kalama, Mānava O Polynesia, and No Ke Aloha, at the Colorado4Maui Benefit Event for entertainment, craft and food vendors, and a special guest performance by Hawaiian singer/songwriter John Cruz! Donations from the event will be sent to Maui relief efforts. Come support our NHPI community members!

Send community events to us at hello@asianavemag.com.

AANHPI News Summit

Sunday, Oct. 1 | 10am to 1pm Happy Living and Wellness

14015 E Evans Avenue, Aurora Free, but registration required asianavemag.com

Hear about the latest trends in news and media, and how they may impact Colorado’s Asian American communities. What is AI? How is misinformation being spread in our communities? The goal of the summit is to: create a space for AAPI journalists to network, as well as to connect members of the AAPI community with local AAPI journalists. Registration includes a light breakfast and lunch. This event is supported by the Colorado Media Project.

Gawad Kalinga Colorado

Hope Concert

Saturday, Sept. 30 | 6pm to 10pm Adobo

3109 N. Federal Blvd, Denver

Ticket: $35 |Tickets on EventBrite

Join the first ever Gawad Kalinga USA Hope Concert in Denver, showcasing local Filipino American artists. Funds will be raised for Kusina ng Kalinga (Care Kitchens) alleviating hunger in schools, and, Maleta (Suitcase) Library where volunteers bring books to far flung areas and share the joy of reading to out of school children. Ticket includes food and one non-alcoholic beverage.

Asian Chamber of Commerce Gala

Friday, Oct. 6 | Begins at 7pm

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa

111 Richman St, Black Hawk

Ticket: $100 acccolorado.org

Celebrate the Nepalese Teej Festival with music and food. All ages are welcome to the potluck. Please bring an item to share. Come and meet members of the Nepali community in Colorado Springs.

The Asian Chamber Annual Gala will be held on Friday, October 6, again at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. Gala attendees can enjoy a 30% discounted overnight stay during the weekend. Make plans to join the chamber for a fun evening of networking and enjoying a specially designed Korean buffet. There will also be a silent auction, wine pull, and door prizes.

Officer Tien Nguyen is raising career awareness about law enforcement to Asians and Asian Americans in Aurora and its surrounding suburbs.

Nguyen, 35, settled in Aurora in February 2020, joining the Aurora Police Department (APD).

“It is one of the most diverse cities in Colorado and in the US,” he said. “I definitely fit in.”

While living in Nashville, he worked in law enforcement for seven years and noted not feeling the same sense of belonging.

Recruitment | At job fairs, festivals and summer events, Officer Nguyen has been recruiting potential candidates to join the police force. He hopes that being out in the community will make a difference in recruitment and perception of the police force, and also help reduce Asian hate in Colorado.

Nationally, Asian Americans make up only two percent of the police force. Five years ago, Stephanie Nghiem, became the first Asian American woman to work as an APD officer.

Officer

Nguyen,

Early Life | Nguyen immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1998, when he was 10 years old. Growing up in Nashville, he learned English by watching shows like Sesame Street and Barney.

In high school, his mentors strongly encouraged him to pursue a career in law enforcement. But he joined the military and headed to Iraq. After his military service, he knew he didn’t want a desk job so enrolling in college with a major in criminal justice was his next goal.

to

trust

documentation required for her to immigrate to the U.S.

After taking more than 15 hours of credits each semester, in combination with summer classes and his prior military credits, Nguyen graduated early in December 2012 from Middle Tennessee State University.

Family | Nguyen’s father fought in the Vietnam War and was imprisoned. His opportunity to move to the U.S. happened in 1994.

While Nguyen’s younger sister came to the U.S. with him when she was eight-years-old, it wasn’t until last year that his two older sisters and his mom arrived to the U.S.

Due to poor records, his father needed to remarry his mother for

Future Goals | “I love Aurora because I encounter people from different walks of life,” he said. In fact, his partner is from the Middle East countries.

When Nguyen has served in Aurora for five years, he plans to take the sergeant exam to move up and grow in his career. Meanwhile, he will continue his recruitment efforts for diversity. He knows that a more diverse workforce will help towards building trust within communities. From his experience, he acknowledges that Asians hesitate to contact the police department for help. As hate incidents are increasing, he advises community members to report any problems and believes that establishing trust is important.

To decompress, Nguyen enjoys the many outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, especially hiking.

Visit joinaurorapd.com to learn more about job opportunities in law enforcement.

“I love Aurora because I encounter people from different walks of life.”

Tien Nguyen works

build

between residents and the Aurora Police Department

who is Vietnamese, recruits for more diversity in law enforcement to better address the needs of the diverse city of Aurora.

Nguyen with his mom in Vietnam

With a career dedicated to public service, Derek Okubo has retired from his role as executive director of Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP) at the City & County of Denver.

“Twelve years, it went by fast,” he reminisced.

Working for Denver

At the helm of the HRCP agency, Okubo led more than 55 employees, created the strategic direction of the agency, and implemented the inclusion of the Immigrant and Refugee Commission.

During his tenure, he oversaw nine offices: Aging, Anti-Discrimination, Community Affairs, Disability Rights, Financial Empowerment, Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, Sign Language Services, Strategic Partnerships, and Women & Families.

“Bringing together the staff we had defined the best of public service,” he said.

But it wasn’t always easy, especially not during the pandemic, when the city shut down and also received pushback on vaccinations. Govern-

Derek Okubo reflects on 12 years of serving the City of Denver

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

immediately embraced as a warm, energetic, and caring individual with an amazing personal connection to the community.”

In addition to overseeing his staff, Okubo was the Commission Advisor to ten mayoral appointed Commissions: People with Disabilities, Aging, Immigrant & Refugee, Latino, LGBTQ, Nonprofit Engagement, Women’s, African American, American Indian, and Asian American Pacific Islander.

mental bureaucracy also meant there was resistance to change, but Okubo remained steadfast and positive.

“It’s human nature, and nothing shocking at all,” Okubo said.

Okubo brought his interpersonal skills and compassion for others to every setting he was in.

“It was a privilege to work with and learn from Derek for over a decade as we strengthened Denver’s support network for immigrant and refugee communities and responded to key local, state, and federal challenges,” said Councilwoman Jamie Torres, President of Denver City Council.

He helped guide and connect these communities during some of the most turbulent social injustices of our time – which includes City responses to anti-immigration, Black Lives Matter, anti-Asian hate, women’s rights and anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

“Derek is a real community leader. He is not driven by fame or power, but by a strong desire to make a positive impact for the community,” said Harry Budisidharta, In-House Counsel for Aurora Mental Health & Recovery.

Family First

Okubo is the son of Japanese American parents, both of whom were interned in camps by the federal gov-

“I saw his strong moral compass deliver for communities across this city who were working to correct historical or contemporary injustices. Derek was

In 2022, the city of Denver formally apologized to the Chinese community for the 1880 riot that destroyed the city’s Chinatown. Okubo served as an advisor to the Reimagining Denver Chinatown Project.

“I saw his strong moral compass deliver for communities across this city who were working to correct historical or contemporary injustices.”

- Councilwoman Jamie Torres

ernment during World War II, one of the grave injustices of American history. His parents’ experience is the catalyst behind Okubo’s passion for civil rights, and why he has been active in historic preservation efforts of Camp Amache.

“Derek has kept his father’s legacy alive by helping bring attention to Amache, the concentration camp where his father was imprisoned during WWII,” Gil Asakawa, Chair, Denver Takayama Sister City Committee.

With the heavy nature of his work, he decompresses by surrounding himself with caring friends and family.

“My kids brought me down to earth,” Okubo said. “I wasn’t a government appointee. I was a friend and dad first.”

With three adult children and one grand kitty, he feels grounded. Yumi (32), Mason (29), and Duncan (26) live all over the US, so he visits them as often as possible.

“They’ve changed my life,” he said. “And have made me who I am today.”

A Career in Public Service

Growing up in Littleton, Colo., Okubo went on to study psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. While he initially thought he would become an airline pilot or a practicing psychologist, he discovered early on that he did not like math enough to be a pilot or have the patience needed to be a psychologist. He now lives vicariously through his son, Duncan, who is training to be a pilot.

His career in nonprofit and government “kind of just happened.” It wasn’t what he had planned for before college. After interning with the nonprofit Big Brothers of Metro Denver, he was offered a position to work as the county coordinator, where he organized a high school volunteer mentoring program and trained staff on prosocial skill building with young people. Later, he joined Colorado Governor Roy Romer’s staff as a community liaison.

Leaving that role, he joined the National Civic League (NCL), serving as director of community services, vice president, interim president, and senior vice president, from 1992 and 2011. It was at NCL where he met and worked with Michael B. Hancock, who would later become the mayor of Denver and appoint Okubo to his City role in 2011.

In May 2018, Okubo received the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award from Colorado Asian Culture and Ed-

ucation Network, and earlier this year, he received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Award.

Semi-Retirement

Taking a well deserved break and spending more time with his family, Okubo is enjoying his semi-retirement while continuing contract work and organizing his home office.

In doing so, he rediscovered sandals from his then three-year-old son, and also placed a stuffed animal from his other son in his personal library, adding that he loves to read about history and ethnic studies.

Recently returning from trips to Japan and Alaska, he will be visiting his daughter in New York in the fall. While he loves to cook and enjoys being outdoors, specifically to hike, golf, or fish, he is already itching for his next opportunity to make a positive impact for the community.

Okubo (second from left) receives the Asian Hero of Colorado Award from Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network in May 2018.

Okubo emcees the 2019 Day of Remembrance at History Colorado, which marks the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII.

Okubo attends the 2021 Asian Chamber of Commerce Gala with Sakura Foundation leaders and ConsulGeneral of Japan Midori Takeuchi.

Okubo (right) served on the Lunar New Year Allies Advisory Group.

Time to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival

This year, Mid-Autumn Festival falls on September 29, 2023. Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, second only to Chinese New Year. Similar holidays are celebrated in other countries in East and Southeast Asia. In Mandarin Chinese the Mid-Autumn Festival is called Zhōngqiū jié (中秋节).

Zhōngqiū jié dates back over 3,000 years and traditionally falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar when the moon is believed to be at its fullest. This is usually in September or early October on our calendar, known as the Gregorian calendar. In ancient times, people worshiped the moon in autumn to thank it for the harvest. Today people celebrate it as a time for family reunions.

THE LEGEND OF HOUYI AND CHANG’E — THE MOON GODDESS

There are various myths and legends surrounding the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the most well-known is the story of Houyi (后羿) and Chang’e (嫦娥).

Here is one

version of this popular myth.

In ancient times, ten suns circled Earth. One day, all ten appeared together, setting Earth on fire. Houyi, a brave archer, took down nine of them, saving the planet. As a reward, the Jade Emperor, Ruler of Heaven, gave him an elixir of immortality–but only enough for one person. He took it home but chose not to drink it because he did not want to become immortal without his beloved wife, Chang’e.

However, one day when Houyi was away, his apprentice broke into his house to steal the magical potion. To keep him from stealing it, Chang’e drank the elixir herself. Soon after, she flew to the moon, where she became its goddess.

Houyi was heartbroken when he figured out what happened to Chang’e. He shouted to the sky and found that the moon was especially bright that night. He saw a swaying figure that looked just like Chang’e. To show how much he loved and missed her, Houyi laid out Chang’e’s favorite fruits and cakes, beginning a tradition of preparing a feast in her honor on this day every year.

On the next Mid-Autumn Festival, look to the night sky to see if you can spot Chang’e gazing down on us!

from “Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival” Book

Illustrations by Eliza Hsu Chen

Excerpts

by Eugenia Chu and Y. Y. Chan

PREPARATION

The roundness of the moon represents unity and family reunion. Preparing for Zhōngqiū jié is like planning a big reunion dinner party, similar to Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States. It helps to plan in advance by:

1. Picking the location;

2. Setting the menu;

3. Inviting family and friends;

4. Buying or making mooncakes, called yuèbĭng (月饼);

5. Decorating.

Mooncakes are the main event! They symbolize the moon and family unity. The cake is traditionally cut into pieces that equal the number of people in the family. They are enjoyed as part of the celebration and are also given as gifts prior to the festival. You can buy mooncakes from most Chinese bakeries or Asian grocery stores. The most traditional flavor is lotus seed paste with salted duck egg yolk inside, but you can fill them with anything you like—even chocolate! Yum!

Some families have dinner at a restaurant while others dine at home with family and friends. Afterward, they go out to gaze at the moon while enjoying yummy yuèbĭng.

As with most festivals, it is always fun to decorate! Lanterns are the most popular way to liven up a Mid-Autumn Festival party. They are easy to find and you can even make your own.

Some people write wishes on their lanterns for things like health, love, good grades, and good fortune, while others write riddles.

Some families also honor ancestors during this festival by burning candles and incense.

HOW TO CELEBRATE

ADMIRING THE FULL MOON

The tradition of gazing at the moon dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (500 BC) when people held ceremonies to welcome the full moon. These days, people go outdoors after the family reunion dinner to admire the full moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

EATING MOONCAKES —YUÈBING (月饼)

The tradition of eating yuèbĭng began during the Yuan Dynasty (12791368 AD), which was ruled by Mongols. The mooncakes were actually used to pass around messages to rebel against the Mongols at the time. Nowadays, families and friends usually share a mooncake on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

PLAYING WITH LANTERNS

Making and lighting up lanterns is another popular tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Zhōngqiū jié. Lighting lanterns is a symbol of hope and good luck. There are many different ways to make a lantern, but the most common method involves using colored paper or silk and bamboo sticks. Some lanterns are designed to be carried on the end of a long bamboo stick, while others are hung in trees or outside houses and buildings. Sometimes they are floated on rivers to create a festive atmosphere. Of course, it is important to dispose of or recycle all waste!

Read more in the Book: “Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival”

See page 14.

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival: History, Traditions, and Activities

By Eugenia Chu and Y. Y. Chan

Eliza Hsu Chen (Illustrator)

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with this fun introduction for kids ages 6 to 9

The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the warmth of family, the joy of togetherness, and the enchantment of the moonlit sky. With captivating illustrations and engaging storytelling, this nonfiction book aims to introduce young readers to the vibrant and fascinating world of one of Asia’s most celebrated holidays by delving into its history, traditions, and activities.

- Step into History: Discover the rich history of the Mid-Autumn Festival, tracing its origins back thousands of years.

- Explore Festive Traditions: Immerse yourself in the customs and traditions that make the Mid-Autumn Festival a cherished event. Learn about the traditional mooncakes, vibrant lanterns and delightful folklore that bring families and communities together.

- Engage in Joyful Activities: Get ready to join the festivities with a treasure trove of activities for children to enjoy. From crafting lanterns to making delicious mooncakes, young readers will have hands-on experiences that celebrate this special occasion.

CO-AUTHORS

EUGENIA CHU is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom turned multi-award winning and best selling author. She is Chinese-American and lives on a magical beach in Miami with her husband, Bob, son, Brandon, and dog, Dash.

Unable to find children’s story books that included Chinese language or culture when Brandon was younger, she began writing them herself. Brandon is the inspiration for all her books.

Eugenia enjoys presenting her books at schools, libraries, and festivals. She is an avid reader who delights in writing, traveling, yoga, and drinking too much coffee.

Eugenia is also the author of: Brandon Makes Jiăozi ( 餃子); Brandon Goes to Beijing - Běijīng (北京); Brandon Goes to Hong Kong - Xiānggăng (香港); and Celebrating Chinese New Year.

Visit linktr.ee/eugeniachu to learn more about the author and her books, or to schedule an author visit.

Y. Y. CHAN is a multi-award-winning children’s book author based in Hong Kong. In 2020, she made a New Year’s Resolution to write and publish a book and she has not looked back since. Her first two books have each received international book awards.

As a child, Chan grew up in sunny Brisbane, Australia. After graduating with First Class Honors in Primary Education, she returned to Hong Kong to teach English. She also has an M.A. in English Language Teaching and has been teaching English for over ten years.

When her father passed away, she took a break from teaching to travel, read, and write. Her writing journey began when she was tutoring and working freelance for several universities and educational publishers. She is currently teaching English at a primary school in Guangzhou, China.

Visit yychani.com for more information and updates about her work.

Find “Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival” on Amazon for $10.99 at mybook.to/CMAF.

Korea Town Aurora serves as a cultural hub for residents of Aurora and beyond

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

Most Coloradans know that if you’re craving Korean BBQ or tofu stew, you head to Aurora. But did you also know that Korean spas offering massages and karaoke pubs can also be found in Aurora?

As Korean-owned restaurants and businesses continue to pop up, the formation of Korea Town Aurora has taken shape.

“Korea Town Aurora is not only a place where you can find the best Korean restaurants in Colorado, but also a place where you can experience the Korean lifestyle and culture,” said Garrett Walls, Havana Business Improvement District (HBID) - On Havana Street Board President.

The Beginnings of Korea Town

In 1964, the Colorado Korean Association was created for the community of Koreans and Korean Americans. Over the years, many Korean businesses and the community grew in Aurora as a central location for Koreans. Like many big cities, the concept of Korea Town serves as a dense mix of restaurants, cafes and grocery stores.

For Aurora, the boundary started from East Colfax and moved to Parker Road and Havana Street, within a mile radius. While driving down the Havana Street corridor, there are many Korean-owned enterprises.

Prior to 2020, the concept of Korea Town was spearheaded by Peter Lee. In 2021, the organization started the first golf tournament at Meadow Hills in Aurora to promote the concept of Korea Town and establish a logo.

In August 2023, the third annual Korea Town Golf Tournament was held at Common Grounds in Aurora.

“Korea Town serves as a little piece of ‘home’ for Aurora’s large Korean community, as well as a destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the unique beauty of Korean culture and food,” said Kim.

“The Korean Town idea and concept were initiated by Peter Lee and several members about ten years ago,” said Jennifer Kim, co-chair of the Korea Committee with Aurora Sister Cities International.

“Korea Town is a successful community initiative that celebrates the culture, community and identity of South Koreans in Aurora and the greater metro area,” said Walls.

Aurora’s Unique Diversity

According to the 2020 Census, there are nearly 4,000 Korean Americans living in Aurora.

With Aurora being one of the most diverse cities in the US, the city embraces Asian cultures, especially the thriving Korean community.

Each August, Aurora Global Fest is held in front of the Aurora City Hall and the Korea Committee members volunteer by writing the spectators’ English names in Korean with calligraphy brushes. Also at their booth, samples of kimchi and other popular Korean snacks sponsored by M Mart and H Mart are handed out.

Walls participates in Korea Town committee meetings at the city level, where he advocates for organizing Korea Town in a way that doesn’t exclude other cultures represented On Havana Street, but rather assists, as a model organization, for other globally diverse communities in organizing and showcasing their cultures, as well.

“I consider Korea Town to be one of the cultural ‘hearts’ of the district because it offers not only some of the best food and market shopping around, but also a vital piece of the cultural diversity and richness that makes the HBID globally unique and special,” said Walls.

Thriving Businesses

M Mart, one of the first Korean retailers in the area, established their family-owned grocery store more than 40 years ago.

Since then, multiple Korean busi-

2023 Korea Town Aurora Golf Tournament

Yelp Colorado Elite tasting event at M Mart, a Korean grocery store, located On Havana Street

nesses started popping up, including food, health, legal, retail, and social services.

In recent years, international chains such as Cuckoo and bb.q Chicken were established in Aurora.

“Korea Town in Aurora is an exciting movement for not only Koreans but non-Koreans as well,” Kim said.

“It is historically known for the largest concentration of restaurants, Karaoke hot spots, banks and businesses serving the public. Whether you are a local or an out-of-own visitor, the Korean Town in Aurora is a bustling and culturally diverse neighborhood that never seems to stop preserving the authentic taste of Korean food and culture.”

City developers are courting Korean businesses to check out the boundaries of the Korea Town. New bakeries, restaurants and businesses are launching before 2023 comes to an end.

In August, Korean-owned Paris Baguette opened its doors for those who enjoy pastries, signature sandwiches, and stunning cakes.

Nana’s Dim Sum & Bao, a casual restaurant serving traditional Chinese brunch plates, dumplings, buns, and noodles, will be opening at Village on the Park, the shopping center on Parker Road and Havana Street.

And Seoul Hospitality Group, led by restaurateur J.W. Lee, will soon open Leezakaya Japanese Restaurant, a vibrant Japanese-style pub.

In addition, the word is getting out about Korea Town’s unique offerings.

Earlier this year, Yelp Colorado, an online review website, invited its elite community of foodies and reviewers to M Mart to explore the grocery store. Participants were delighted to find such a hidden gem in Aurora. Yelp Elite attendees expressed great interest in sampling the variety of international items at M Mart.

Another Yelp Colorado Elite event is scheduled for September 6 to celebrate M Mart’s 40 years in business as Colorado’s only independently owned Korean grocery market.

Looking Ahead

Although a location has not been determined, there have been initial discussions with the city about placing a marker or sign for tourists and out-of-town visitors to better identify Korea Town.

With community leaders such as Peter Lee and successful entrepreneurs such as J.W. Lee, expect to see more businesses coming to Aurora. This is just the start of how a community can come together to build a cultural hub for all.

Walls foresees that business par-

ticipation and ownership will increase with the Havana Business Improvement District and surrounding geographic areas. There will also be growing pride in the celebration of Korean culture within Korea Town and the greater community across the state of Colorado.

“Korea Town represents a huge success story,” said Walls.

“It’s a story that weaves together community members, Korean and non-Korean, an incredible amount of female business owners, and other restaurateurs and business owners willing to invest in Aurora.”

Get updates about Korea Town Aurora at fb.com/koreatownaurora or on Instagram @koreatownaurora.

9News invites Paris Baguette to share about their French and Korean pastries

Jennifer Kim (middle) represents the City of Aurora during her visit with Shin Sang-jin (right), mayor of Seongnam City in South Korea

Mayor Mike Coffman celebrates the grand opening of Cuckoo, Korea’s #1 rice cooker brand, in Aurora

CôNu’s Corner Càfê and Bánh Mì Sandwiches

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

The family-run sandwich shop and convenience store, CôNu’s Corner Càfê and Bánh Mì Sandwiches, offers some of Denver’s best Vietnamese sandwiches, coffees, and teas in the Highlands neighborhood, just off the corner of 29th Avenue and Tennyson Street.

Owner Thuc-Nhu Hoang created the shop’s name, CôNu’s, to include “Cô” which means Miss in Vietnamese and “Nu” which is part of her name.

The neighborhood càfê is inconspicuously located inside a convenience store. This past May, Hoang began offering Vietnamese food in hopes that her selection would open the gates to more foodies, who enjoy Vietnamese cuisine.

On busy days, the family can make up to 70 bánh mì sandwiches. Packed with fresh ingredients and tons of seasoning, it is the perfect, healthy, refreshing pick me up.

Each sandwich features a toasty baguette with a spread of pâté, mayo, pickled vegetables, green onions, ci-

lantro, fresh chilies, and choice of pork, chicken, tofu, or veggies, with a drizzle of seasoning.

Hoang’s family spent time in Vietnam to study how to make French bread from scratch. Hence, the bánh mì (bread) is made in-house.

Local Vietnamese Americans have raved about the authentic Vietnamese dishes offered at CôNu’s, which also includes pho bowls and rice platters. All of the dishes and sauces are homemade.

Don’t forget the teas and coffees! Her Vietnamese coffee is packed with

high-octane caffeine, not for the faint of heart.

CôNu’s Corner Café offers indoor and outdoor seating, but most orders are to-go or quick bites during lunch. As a small business owner, Hoang has encountered a slew of challenges related to parking lot rights, customer reviews, and construction delays, but she is optimistic that her location will attract customers in the Highlands and Edgewater neighborhoods.

Visit CôNu’s Corner Café at 4400 W. 29th Avenue in Denver and see their menu at conuscorner.com.

A 5K run and a cultural celebration featuring energetic pandas, OCA Colorado hosted its annual 5K Panda Run on Saturday, August 26.

“The OCA 5K Panda Run/1K Walk was more than just a race; it was a celebration of community, education, and the spirit of giving,” said Ruby Wong, Board President of OCA Colorado.

Both seasoned runners and those who enjoy going on light walks, the 5K welcomed participants at all levels and ages including Asian seniors.

After the race, winners received their awards and a picnic was held, as an early celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which will be on September 29, 2023. Participants also enjoyed a lively lion dance and kung fu demonstration. ocacolorado.org.

OCA 5K Panda Run Chinatown Block Party

On August 12, Colorado Asian Pacific United held a block party to celebrate the reveal of a mural that commemorates Denver’s Chinatown and historical markers with information about the history.

The mural, titled “Be Not Afraid of Going Slow, But of Not Going At All,” is located at the Denver Fire Station 4 near Sakura Square. Created by artist Nalye Lor, it features imagery of railroad workers and laundry workers, along with a railroad track that morphs into an infinite noodle that represents hope and longevity.

The markers raise awareness about the 1880 race riot that decimated the Chinese community and the area’s cultural history. coloradoasianpacificunited.org.

With the support of attendees, sponsors, vendors, performers, and volunteers, Asian Girls Ignite (AGI) raised more than $28,000 at their ElevAsian Night Market Fundraiser on August 19. These funds will continue igniting the power of AAPI girls and gender-expansive youth through the organization’s year-round programs.

Inspired by the bustling night markets throughout Asia, the ElevAsian Night Market Fundraiser gathered

AAPI women-led and owned food and beverage vendors, artists, businesses, and performance groups for one special night at Tivoli Turnhalle in downtown Denver.

Attendees enjoyed the passport theme of sampling foods from multiple Asian cuisines and Denver’s top culinary talents such as MAKfam (Chinese), Mukja (Korean), No Ke Aloha (Polynesian), Yuan Wonton (Thai), and Zin Zin’s Burmese Cuisine.

An art gallery featuring the work of Grace Gee and other artists, along with a marketplace full of handcrafted merchandise from local artisans and small businesses were also highlights of the event. The stage featured performances by: Spirit of Cambodia, KPOP Royals Dance Crew, ZEMBU, Kalama Polynesian Dancers, and Mudra Dance Studio, to name a few, that left the crowd dancing the night away. asiangirlsignite.org

Photos by Adam You

Photo by Kai Vong

Photo by Gil Asakawa

Photos by Jas K Productions

City of Aurora and New Taipei City become Friendship Cities

Aurora Sister Cities International is proud to announce that the city of Aurora has entered into a new friendship agreement with New Taipei City in Taiwan.

Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Coffman and the work of the City of Aurora Office of International Affairs in collaboration with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Denver and the local Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, the city hosted delegates from New Taipei City on August 18.

TECO Director General Bill S.C. Huang welcomed guests to the Global Fest Leadership reception that evening, where Mayor Coffman signed the agreement.

The reception featured food catered by the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Chi Lin Asian Eatery, and Mama Shiou of Twin Dragon Restaurant. Bubble tea, watermelon juice, and moon cakes were also offered. Entertainment showcasing Taiwanese culture and heritage was presented by Christina Yeh’s Dance Studio,

alongside beautiful Taiwanese art displayed throughout the municipal building halls.

With the Friendship Agreement signed, Aurora Sister Cities International will work with Aurora’s local Taiwanese community to develop special projects and programs that mutually benefit both cities.

The Friendship Agreement reflected the two cities’ aspirations to create cultural and youth exchange programming, develop closer economic ties and engage in shared learning opportunities.

Aurora Sister Cities welcomes New Taipei City to Aurora’s rich tapestry of friendship and sister cities, which include communities in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Korea and Mexico.

Friendship and Sister City relationships have been a successful tool for engaging Aurora’s immigrant and refugee community members and growing Aurora’s global presence.

The delegation from New Taipei City joined Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver Bill S.C. Huang and members of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce on August 18 at the Global Fest Leadership reception in Aurora, Colo.

Aurora’s signature event, Global Fest, celebrates its 10th year

Lucha libre wrestlers, a competitive reality TV show winner, and unique international cuisines highlighted the tenth year of Aurora’s signature event, Global Fest, sponsored by CEDS Finance.

The free, fun, family-friendly event returned on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, bringing together the sights, sounds and flavors of nations from around the world to celebrate the diverse people and communities that call Aurora home.

Two stages of vibrant musical and dance performances, local food trucks featuring recipes from across the world, an international marketplace, art displays, and creative activities for children drew an attendance of 10,000 people.

A crowd favorite each year is the Parade of Nations. Aurora residents hold the flag of their home country and walk on stage, saying “hello” in their native language. The parade showcases the extensive diversity of the city.

“People across the metro are learning that Global Fest is a must-attend event in Aurora. Aurora truly is ‘The World in a City’ and Global Fest is the best place to experience it

Aurora is the third-largest city in Colorado. For its diversity, it is referred to as “The World in a City.” Visit

on display,” said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman.

One of the premier performers this year was Aurora resident Jose Hernandez, a recent winner of Estrella TV’s “Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento,” a competitive TV show similar to NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Another exciting new addition to Global Fest was a lucha libre wrestling presentation. Known for dynamic performers and colorful masks, luchadores competed in the wrestling ring on the Great Lawn.

Also new this year was the “We Are Aurora” exhibit, a creative photography project promoting understanding and belonging across different racial, ethnic and linguistic groups. Community members submitted more than 100 photos, and the top 25 were selected for the exhibit.

“Aurora is proud to be one of the most diverse cities in Colorado, with one in five people in Aurora identifying as foreign born,” said Ricardo Gambetta, manager of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs.

“Global Fest is an important event because it is an inclusive showcase of our international cultures and it is special when we can share our traditions with others.

Photo Courtesy: City of Aurora

UNITE FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD

and Taiwan’s Inclusion in the UN

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a reminder of how autocracies care little about causing death and destruction. The war is a gross violation of human rights and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes as codified in the United Nations Charter, which has helped maintain the rules-based international order and kept the world in relative peace since the end of the Cold War.

The war’s humanitarian and economic fallout has also shown that in a globalized world crises cannot be contained within national borders. It is therefore imperative to deter similar threats to global security from happening elsewhere. Taiwan—a democracy that is home to over 23 million people and that I proudly represent—continues to confront enormous challenges posed by China.

Since the mid-20th century, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has vowed to take control of Taiwan and refused to renounce the use of force, despite never having ruled Taiwan. For decades, the people of Taiwan have remained calm in safeguarding the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. However, as China’s economic and military might has grown stronger, it becomes increasingly aggressive in flexing its military muscle to intimidate Taiwan, thereby threatening our democratic way of life. This includes sending warplanes and ships across the median line of the Taiwan Strait and encroaching into our air defense identification zones. It has also intensified gray-zone tactics, such as disinformation and economic coercion, in an attempt to wear down our will to fight.

The PRC’s expansionism does not stop at Taiwan. China’s use of gray-zone activities in the East and South China Seas are designed to expand its power and substantiate its hawkish territorial claims. In addition to signing a security agreement with Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the PRC has been securing ports for

future military use in the Indian Ocean. All of these maneuvers are causing grave concerns that peace is becoming more difficult to maintain.

Ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone’s best interest. Half of the world’s commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait each day. Taiwan produces the majority of the world’s semiconductors and plays a key role in global supply chains. Any conflict in the area would have disastrous consequences for the global economy.

In recent years, bilateral and multilateral forums have repeatedly emphasized that the peace and stability over the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to global security. While we can all agree that the war must be avoided, how to best do so requires inclusion, dialogue, and, most of all, unity.

The United Nations remains the best platform for global discourse. UN officials speak often of joint solutions, solidarity, and inclusion in tackling the pressing issues of our time. Taiwan is more than willing and able to take part in these efforts.

However, Taiwan continues to be excluded from the UN due to China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. This resolution neither states that Taiwan is a part of the PRC nor gives the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan in the UN and its specialized agencies. In fact, the resolution only determines who represents the member state China, a fact that the international community and China itself recognized following the relevant vote in 1971. The subsequent misrepresentation of Resolution 2758 contradicts the basic principles upheld by the UN Charter and must be rectified.

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly, which will center on the theme “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity,” is timely in light of a number of broad global challenges. For example, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were designed as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. Yet the most recent

SDG progress report showed that just 12 percent of SDG targets were on track, while progress on 50 percent has remained insufficient. And on more than 30 percent, we have stalled or even regressed.

While there are no easy answers, the first step is dialogue. As a truly global institution, the UN can serve as a champion of progress. We call on the UN to uphold its principle of leaving no one behind by allowing Taiwan to participate in the UN system, rather than excluding it from discussions on issues requiring global cooperation. A good first step would be to allow Taiwanese individuals and journalists to attend or cover relevant meetings, as well as ensure Taiwan’s meaningful participation in meetings and mechanisms regarding the SDGs.

Ukraine’s incredible bravery and resilience have inspired countries around the globe. The war there has forged a new sense of togetherness in the world. Unity is crucial to pushing back against Russia’s aggression and to preserving universal values, such as human rights and global peace, more broadly.

It is vital to make China and other authoritarian governments aware that they will be held accountable and to urge them to settle differences through peaceful means. Allowing Taiwan to meaningfully participate in the UN system would benefit the world’s efforts to address pressing

global issues. This would also demonstrate the UN’s determination to unite for global peace at a critical juncture when the future of the world is at stake.

We are stronger together. Now is the time to act on this fundamental principle by in-

Written by: Jaushieh Joseph Wu Minister of Foreign Affairs Republic of China (Taiwan)