PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 3, 2014
FREE 32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Takei takes over Seattle
THE AGING ISSUE
Services for seniors Photo by James Tabafunda/NWAW
VOL 33 NO 40
Vietnamese American elders rehearsing a dance performance at Asian Counseling and Referral Service
By James Tabafunda Northwest Asian Weekly When several generations of Asian Americans live under one roof, there’s an opportunity for the older generation to pass
their wisdom and experience to the youth. One family tradition is a filial obligation, the at-home caregiving of elder family {see CLUB BAMBOO cont’d on page 18}
Photo by Han Bui/NWAW
Photo by Bruce Carlson Carlson,CAARP
Upscale Din Tai Fung Bellevue model sets precedence for future locations
George Takei speaks at Seattle Central Community College
By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly “You do not become an actor, you are born an actor,” informed the 77-year-old George Takei in his familiar baritone voice. Takei, known in his early days from his work as Star Trek’s Hikaru Sulu and later in life as a political advocate and social media darling, came to Seattle last week promoting his upcoming documentary and filming his popular web series, “Takei’s Take.” In a whirlwind tour of the city, Takei made a stop at Seattle Central Community College to take “selfies” with fans and show a screening of his soon-to-be released documentary, “To Be Takei,” which was followed by a question and answer session. Takei also spent another day in Seattle shooting an episode of his original online series sponsored by the AARP, “Takei’s Take.” Takei’s appearance at Seattle Central Community College was part of the AARP’s ongoing campaign “Life Reimagined,”
which helps guide people through life transitions by helping them discover new possibilities and connect with a community of people pursuing similar passions and goals. Takei was born in Los Angeles, Calif. and was named after King George VI, whose coronation took place in 1937, the same year that Takei was born. Takei notes that his brother was heavy and round and resembled King Henry VIII, and was thus named Henry. Takei was the eldest of three children. Takei’s father was an Anglophile – an admirer of England and its culture. Takei has taken on his father’s admiration of England and considers himself an Anglophile. At an early age, Takei’s family was forced to live in internment camps during World War II. After the war, his family returned to Los Angeles, where he attended school. Takei had a passion for theatre and acting at an early age. He became involved with the {see TAKEI cont’d on page 7}
Wrapping dumplings in the restaurant kitchen
By Tiffany Ran Northwest Asian Weekly What many don’t know about Din Tai Fung’s humble beginnings is of its earliest days as a store selling cooking oil. It was a struggling business that transitioned in 1972, from selling oil to serving steamed soup dumplings out of a small storefront on Taipei’s XinYi Road. Its flagship store grew to include chains across Asia. Din Tai Fung’s claim to fame is its juicy soup dumplings, the “xiao long bao.” Among its other menu offerings are handmade noodles and small appetizers that are favorites at its Taipei locations. Its first locations in North America are two branches located within walking distance of
one another in Arcadia, Calif., a city outside of Los Angeles known for its high Asian population. When it came to additional U.S. locations, the surprising pick of Bellevue, Wash. had many asking questions. “Why not one in New York or San Francisco, and how does Bellevue get one of all places?” people would ask David Wasielewski, managing partner of the Din Tai Fung locations in Bellevue and University Village. Wasielewski was born and raised in Taiwan. He arrived in Seattle with his family when he was 11 years old. After receiving an MBA from Seattle University, {see DIN TAI FUNG cont’d on page 19}
This special Aging-Health issue is sponsored by
PRIME SPONSOR:
■
412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com