RECA Newsletter

President:
Nancy Wang
576-0533

Vice President:
Mary Lowe
528-8712 x132

Treasurer:
Hsiu-Chuan Armstrong

Recording
Secretary,
Newsletter:
Judy Cheung
528-0912

Corresponding
Secretary:
David Chung
340-6045

Scholarship:
Mirin Lew
545-6173

Social Director:
Mary Lowe

Membership:
Judy Cheung

Ways and Means:
We need someone!
535-0985

Building Committee:
Joe Wang
576-0533

Youth Group:
Mark & Azy Heydon
575-9541

Board Members:
Kevin Ablett
Cheryl Brown
Shirley Brummell
Irene Fong
Jean Gee
Frances Lok
Geoff Price
Ann Schleeter

NEWSLETTER

November 2010

Contents
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
RECA LANGUAGE SCHOOL
RECA AND NAMI
RECA WINTER SOCIAL A FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE
SPOTLIGHT ON RECA MEMBER DAVID CHUNG
CHINESE IN MENDOCINO COUNTY
10TH ANNUAL MULTI-CULTURAL POETRY READING AND
POT LUCK LUNCH
DANCING POETRY FESTIVAL
MULTI-ASIAN POTLUCK SOCIAL
CHINA CAMP STATE PARK ANNUAL HERITAGE DAY FESTIVAL
OFFICIAL BALLOT RECA FOR 2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RECA YOUTH GROUP
RACE EQUALITY FESTIVAL
TAYLOR MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY BELLEVIEW DISTRICT
PERFORMANCE
SFSU CLASS ON SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICANS
VISIT TO A MUSLIM MOSQUE
RECA ADULT CHORUS MEMBERS SING IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA
SANTA ROSA SISTER CITY REPORT
CNY PROGRAM ADS & SPONSORSHIPS
DON'T MISS OUR UPCOMING EVENTS
VIVIAN LEUNG IF YOUR NEED A LAWYER
THANK YOU TO OUR 2010 SPONSORS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By Nancy Wang

Dear RECA Members and Friends

Fall is here, the clocks have recently changed. We have entered a time of rest after a spring and summer of more presentations and activities than ever before in RECA history. Our cultural dancers, lion team and cultural presenters are sought after far and wide. Thank you to all who perform for RECA and spread the good reputation of our organization throughout Sonoma County and beyond.

Our language school has begun for the 2010-2011 school year. We have many enthusiastic students, but we can enroll more students in each of our classes. We have a pre-school play group for tots 3-5 with a parent or two; a beginning Mandarin class, kindergarten and up, with new learners and graduates from our pre-school class; and a continuing class with adult beginners and a continuing child who speaks Mandarin at home. Concurrently, we have a youth music group lead by Dr. Robert Yee. Teens come to learn music, good attitudes, performance techniques and to have fun without having to study language. The music group is less formal—drop-in is ok, and no registration fee.

Our upcoming schedule is beginning to fill in. We have already begun planning for the Annual Chinese New Year Celebration and Fundraiser. We have our Christmas Social well planned. We have begun plans for our New Year’s Eve party, our Traditional New Year Celebration and a few other regular activities. Sonoma State University has just asked for a cultural presentation, and other requests are coming in. Soon, the holidays will be on us and our little bit of time to catch our breath will be over. As always, I want to thank everyone who has helped in all of our activities and events, and to invite everyone to join us for our board meetings to help plan our upcoming programs.

RECA LANGUAGE SCHOOL
By Judy Hardin Cheung

Our language classes have begun a new year of learning excitement. We have language classes to suit all ages and levels of expertise.

Our tots are enthusiastic little ones who come with one or two parents to learn basic numbers, colors and to have fun with simple words in Mandarin. They are also preparing a bunny dance for our Chinese New Year Celebration. This class is lead by Tracy Ding whose daughter, Rachel, is one of the happy classmates.

Our beginning class is focused on children 5-9 years old. However, one mother who "graduated" from the tot group decided to stay with her daughter and learn in this class. Her daughter, when learning she was not going to be in the same class as the last two years asked plaintively, "But will it be the same RECA?" When her mother assured her it was the same RECA, she agreed to come and try out the new class.

Our continuing Mandarin class proved to be the most surprising this year. Expecting some of the advanced teens to sign up, we were disappointed that they all dropped out this year. Maybe we are working them too hard in the cultural programs. Who knows? But we were thrilled to see an entirely new group of adults enroll. We have adults ranging in ability from never speaking any Mandarin to one who is fluent but wants to maintain and improve his language skills; and we have Alice, who started with us in pre-school, was with the children's class for a year, then, last year, graduated to the older group because she speaks Mandarin at home and is able to converse.

Enrollment forms and more info at our website www.recacenter.org

RECA and NAMI
By Judy Hardin Cheung

Nancy Wang and Judy Cheung from RECA, with Kim Chi Moyer from the Sonoma County Viet Nam Association, gave a two hour workshop during the 8 ½ hour NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Symposium on September 14, 2010. The presentation was to focus on the mental illness problems of Asians and Pacific Islanders. At first, the concept was daunting! Then Rosemary Milbrath, the coordinator, suggested that we talk about how RECA includes members who have problems. Nancy and Judy talked it over and said, "Yes, we can do that."

RECA does not have separate or special programs for people with problems. When a person wants to come, they come and enjoy, equal to everyone else. Judy put together a booklet showing some of the many activities RECA offers, with suggestions on how to successfully participate.

Nancy spoke about tension-causing differences between Chinese born parents and their American born children. She told our audience of about 40 people, how Chinese families rely on themselves for taking care of family members. She also talked about some of the emerging problems of the children adopted from Asia by Caucasian parents. Kim Chi Moyer told about education in Viet Nam and how the strictness is so different from the lax discipline of schools in the United States. The audience gasped with surprise when she said that country kids might not go to school because they have to work in the fields with the water buffalo.

The second hour of the workshop was all questions and answers. They asked what is done about psychotic breaks, learning disabilities and culture clashes. They compared the statements about Viet Nam and China with their own experiences in Japan, Korea and the Philippines.

If you know of somebody who could use extra help in coping with daily living needs, contact Nancy or Judy. If you would like to contact NAMI directly to ask about their services (or to volunteer your services) please visit namisonomacounty.org, You may also contact Rosemary, their coordinator at (707) 527-6655 or info@namisoco.org. They are located at 1300 N Dutton Ave. Ste. A. Tell them you belong to RECA and ask about what you need to know.

RECA is planning to host a special getting to know you program for NAMI in early 2011.

Molin Malicay, Pres NAMI; Nancy Wang, Rosemary Milbrath, exec dir. NAMI
Nancy Wang was given an award for her work with families. Judy Cheung was given a certificate of recognition. David Chung sang in Chinese during the lunch. Four additional RECA members attended the lunch.

RECA WINTER SOCIAL A FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE

Saturday, December 4 2010

6:00-9:00 p.m.(5:00-9:30 for set up and clean-up)

Rohnert Park 4H Building
Hunter Dr. (behind Rite Aid. Turn right from Commerce Blvd.)

Bring yourself, family and friends, and a dish to serve at least 10 people. If you would like to take part in a gift exchange, bring a rapped gift marked man, woman, boy or girl.

Continue a family tradition with a free photo with Santa.

The RECA Youth Band are practicing to provide mood music for our Social Half-Hour.

Everyone loves Santa!

Our RECA Adult Chorus is practicing new numbers and old carols for your enjoyment and so you can sing along.

Lots of fun for everyone!

Of course, lots of delicious pot luck food!

Raffle Prizes
Gift Exchange
Food
Entertainment
Meet new friends
Chat with old friends
Get to know the teens
Get to know the elders
Meet new members
Become a member
Catch up on gossip
Just have lots of fun.

Check your email frequently for updates on upcoming events, activities and opportunities with your RECA friends. If you are not on our email list to receive reminders, send your email address to Mark Heydon, mheydon@sonic.net.

SPOTLIGHT ON RECA MEMBER DAVID CHUNG
By Ann Schleeter

David Chung, singing a solo at the NAMI Symposium Luncheung and Heroes Awards Ceremonies. Accompanied by Pomo Indian Drummers, he sang Dragon's Descent, the same song the Adult Chorus sang at the Dancing Poetry Festival.

This is an interview with David Chung, long time member of RECA. David spends 50% of his time as a realtor with Century 21 in Santa Rosa. Since 2004 he buys, sells, rents, and provides financial service to his clients. He depends on good referrals from his clients, friends, and family because good referrals are especially important in this down housing market today. David spends his other 50% time volunteering for various community services he is very passionate about.

David's love of singing started in college in Taiwan. Because of his passion for singing, he became friends with Phi Phi, the leader of the adult chorus over 20 years ago. In the beginning the RECA adult chorus met in a home for members who love to sing. The chorus became increasingly active in the last 5-6 years. Lisa Gardner is currently the conductor and she is the one who chooses the songs and music. Currently the chorus, with Dr. Yee playing the piano, meets every Tuesday night between 7 to 9 pm at our RECA Center. Depending on the songs, the chorus normally practices a few times. David says the chorus can sing in many languages by phonetically translating the words in Pilipino, Japanese, and Vietnamese onto the song sheets. With the combination of song sheets the music played on the piano, the chorus can learn new songs faster with practice. Of course, they also sing in Mandarin and English. David is also the male tenor when there is a solo part in the song.

The chorus performs throughout the year. Besides the Christmas party, and the Chinese New Year celebration, they are also involved with other groups. Some have included performances at China Camp, Discovery Museum, Dancing Poetry Festival, and many invitations to perform from other organizations. David says "To sing is the beauty of life. When I talk, I sing. Music is a world language. Music penetrates the people, increases unity, good friends, and it keeps the Chinese culture in the Sonoma County."

David started teaching Tai Chi in the RECA garage about 5-6 years ago. He currently teaches Tai Chi on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 am in the Snoopy Ice Arena on the second floor. About a dozen members attend the class ranging in age from their 50's to their 80's. David says Tai Chi increase the immune system against diseases, helps with balancing especially for older people because the exercise help you become stronger and this prevents falls, and finally Tai Chi relaxes the mind and nervous system. Tai Chi helps release stress from your body. He welcomes all of you to join. Tai Chi is a benefit for your health.

David is currently a board member with Sonoma County Adult Literacy League. This is a free service for people to learn English with learning done on a one to one basis. He is also involved with the Tzu Chi Foundations International originally from Taiwan. This is the Buddhist Charity work service all over the world. The Tzu Chi Santa Rosa Center members meet every third Friday at Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa located at 516 Morgan Street. They cook dinner for 50 to 80 homeless people. David does many public relations works for RECA. He is on the Southwest Community Bayer Park Steering Committee.

David has served for many years on the RECA board and is the Corresponding Secretary. He is usually available to assist in many of our performances and programs, has assisted with the youth group, performed adult lion dance, has attended every Multi-Cultural Poetry Reading, and has done untold behind-the-scenes jobs over the years.

You inspire all of us with all your volunteer work, David. Thank you for all you do for RECA!

CHINESE IN MENDOCINO COUNTY

Mendocino County is known as a scenic destination. Less well known are the diverse cultural groups who were responsible for building the county of Mendocino. Lorrarine Hee-Chorley's family lived the history of the Chinese in the area, including anti-Chinese sentiment. Her great-grandfather, Lee Sing John, was the founder of the Taoist Kwan Tai Temple in the village of Mendocino in 1854. She researched and wrote Images of America Chinese in Mendocino County, fulfilling a promise to her father to keep the history of the over 100-year-old temple alive. The book is a fascinating, easy read with local archives and vintage photos, including contributions from the Grace Hudson Museum and The Press Democrat photographer Jeff Kan Lee. Lorraine presented a slide show last year at various Sonoma County library locations. She is a wealth of information! Her book benefits the continued education and restoration of the temple which is open to visitors on a limited schedule. She can be reached at: 1heechorley@sbcglobal.net.

10TH ANNUAL MULTI-CULTURAL POETRY READING AND POT LUCK LUNCH
Saturday, August 14th, Noon to 4:00

This year's Multi-Cultural Poetry Reading and Pot Luck Lunch was bigger and better than ever. Over 40 people attended from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We were honored to have Gwyne O'Garah, current Poet Laureate of Sonoma County, to join us, along with Mary Rudge, Poet Laureate of Alameda. Many members of the chorus joined us. The teen boys were present to practice the Lion Dance before performing at a school later that afternoon. The teen girls performed their veil fan dance for us. This entertainment thrilled the poets. One commented joyfully, "I got to see what was inside the lion's head!"

We always begin with an international pot luck lunch. Photo by Nancy Wang

Lawrence and Jerry read a classical Chinese poem that Lawrence had copied in his own exquisite calligraphy. Everyone applauded vigorously. Photo by David Chung

DANCING POETRY FESTIVAL
at the California Palace of Legion of Honor
San Francisco, September 18, 2010
By Judy Hardin Cheung

RECA Adult Chorus and Teen Dragon Dancers were the first act after the introductions and welcoming number. They sang, The Dragon's Descent. Poet Laureate of Alameda, Mary Rudge, who has attended every Multi-Cultural Poetry Reading, commented, "They were my favorite act. They were magnificent!" Jean Bee Chan read the translation in English while the dragon circled the audience before going on stage.

Jean Bee Chan read in English and Lisa Liang read in Chinese for the RECA Teen Cultural Dancer's performance. They read a contemporary Chinese poem, For Beauty at Yeliu, by Li King of Hong Kong, International Poet Laureate Man of Letters, and a friend of Judy Cheung.

The dance the girls performed with their 16 foot ribbons brought the most applause of any act. They were the second group of the second act.

MULTI-ASIAN POTLUCK SOCIAL

August 28, RECA joined the other large Asian organizations of Sonoma County to enjoy an evening of food, socialization and entertainment. Each of the groups offered some portion of the nights festivities. RECA's Adult Chorus sang some songs and our RECA Teen Cultural Dancers did their fabulous ribbon dance. Everyone enjoyed international food. Those who came represented RECA, Japanese American Citizens League, Sonoma County VietNamese Association, Filipino Association from Fulton and our host organization, The Rohnert Park Filipino Association and a few others. Our evening of fun was at the Rohnert Park Community Center.

Our RECA Teen Cultural Dancers are always spectacular with their 16 foot ribbons.

The dance begins with cartwheels by Jasmine and Emily, has an interlude with a ballet-type solo by Emily, and finishes with the finale pose and photo op including full splits by Jasmine. Fantastic!

Our Adult Chorus lead by Lisa Gardner finished up our portion of the show with three lively songs.

CHINA CAMP STATE PARK ANNUAL HERITAGE DAY FESTIVAL

China Camp State Park Heritage Day Festival celebrates the Chinese contribution to Marin County's history and economy. From the 1870's to the 1930's China Camp was a thriving community of shrimp fishermen, processors and transporters.

Performing on the wide loading platform used as a stage, our RECA Intermediate Dancers were delightful.

Our RECA Adult Chorus was wonderful, especially with the aid of a sound system.

Our RECA Teen Cultural Dancers performed both their Xin Jiang tambourine dance from western China and their spectacular ribbon dance.

David Chung's participation Tai Chi demonstration is always a popular part of the afternoon.

OFFICIAL BALLOT RECA FOR 2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICIAL BALLOT REDWOOD EMPIRE CHINESE ASSOCIATION FOR 2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

If more people in your family who are over 18 and want to vote, you may copy this ballot. All the families' ballots may be mailed in the same envelope. Click here to download the Ballot.

Please return to
RECA Ballots,
PO Box 7854,
Santa Rosa,
CA 95407
by December 10, 2010

RECA YOUTH GROUP

Lion Dancers at Dr. Yee's surprise birthday party at his church in October. Thank you Mrs. Yee for inviting them and for your generous donation to RECA.

The RECA Youth Group is busy, busy, busy with dozens of youth participating. With the leadership of Azy and Mark Heydon, the Youth have had pot lucks, parent meetings, Santa Rosa clean-up days, worked at homeless shelters, taken trips for fun, run the food booth for various events, and ate a lot of pizza. Recently, they organized themselves and sold food at the Race Equality Week Festival earning money to pay for their many activities.

Under the leadership of Dr. Robert Yee, about half a dozen Youth come most on Saturdays to play music, and learn study skills.

With our master lion dancer and drummer, Henry Tang, a large group of teens have learned to play lion drums, perform the lion dance and perform with our large and our small dragon.

With our dance instructor, Judy Elliott, our teen and pre-teen girls have learned many Chinese Cultural dances.

In addition to working hard, our teens take trips, play video games, hang out at the Heydon's house, do lots of community service and have performed in many more events that we can list here, and eat a lot of pizza. They also have cooking classes and BBQs and, oh yes, did I mention? They eat a lot of pizza.

Recent performances have included Discovery Bay Museum in Sausalito, Dancing Poetry Festival in San Francisco, Race Equality Festival at Elsie Allen High, and many more.

RACE EQUALITY FESTIVAL

Santa Rosa is a city with great beauty and diversity not only in its scenery and opportunities, but also in its variety of people. To celebrate the different ethnicities and nationalities who have come together to make Santa Rosa the city it is, we celebrate Race Equality Week each autumn. Each year, RECA is proud to not only participate, but to be on the planning committee. We participate in at least one of the many inter-cultural presentations (this year it was the NAMI Symposium). We also have a performance, an information booth and a food booth at the Festival itself.

RECA information booth L-R Dr. Robert Yee, Ann Schleeter, Nancy Wang, Judy Cheung. Lily Chang, Hsiu Chuan Armstrong and others also helped throughout the afternoon event at Elsie Allen High.

We were not going to have a food booth this year, but the teens begged and promised to do the work, so we had it. They worked hard and sold all the food that they brought. Everyone loves Chinese food when they are having fun at a festival!

TAYLOR MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY BELLEVIEW DISTRICT PERFORMANCE

Many of our school and community performances are not photographed or reported in the newsletter. This invitational performance of our lions for the Belleview School District Health Fair, held this year at the Taylor Mountain Elementary School, was a resounding success. We had a large and enthusiastic audience that loved every word of the description of RECA and lion dance, loved even more the lion dance itself, and were thrilled when the lions sat down and let themselves be pet, prodded and peeked into. One young girl proudly announced, "The eyes blink with a string and I got to pull it."

When the lions sat down after dancing and the audience was told they could come and pet the lions, they were thrilled. They were allowed to peek inside the head, gently close the mouth, pet the lions' head, back and tail, and a few got to pull the string that activates the ears and eyes.

SFSU CLASS ON SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICANS
Submitted by Marsha Vas Dupre

I, Johnathan H. Lee, am organizing a conference that will focus on Southeast Asian Americans at SFSU on March 10-11, 2011. I was hired as a "Southeast Asian American specialist." I have a textbook on Cambodian Americans coming out this summer and will use that book to teach, for the first time, Cambodian American Studies here at SFSU.

Southeast Asian Americans, in particular Hmong, Cambodian, and Laotian Americans are underserved socially and educationally. Plus, because so many came here as a result of the Vietnam War as refugees, the narrative about them always make them look like victims. I'm one of them: a Chinese-Vietnamese-Cambodian refugee who arrived in the US when I was 5 years old. There is a chilling psychological effect on Southeast Asian American youths who read about themselves and see themselves portrayed in the media as "perpetual war victims."

The conference that I'm the principal organizer for aims to break negative and damaging stereotypes of and about Southeast Asian Americans. We want to focus on their creativity, validate their struggles but also look into their futures. I see hope and fulfillment of dreams.

We want to invite Southeast Asian American artists: singers, dancers, visual artists and writers to come and share their work with our students and the Southeast Asian American communities in the Bay Area. The scholars who will present their work are all young, fresh, and thoughtful Southeast Asian American scholars (like myself). Their work will set the tone and foundation for future research on Southeast Asian Americans.

There is absolutely NO funding for this conference at SFSU because of the budget crisis. However, this does not mean that this conference should not go on. It could, and it will with your support. I have started an Obama-style fund raising campaign to reach out to my network in the hopes that everyone will donate as much as they can. No amount is too small.

Jonathan H. X. Lee, Ph.D.,Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies, SFSU,Dept. of Asian American Studies, 1600 Holloway Ave, EP 103, San Francisco, CA 94132

We thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Email: jlee@sfsu.edu

VISIT TO A MUSLIM MOSQUE

Recently, The Islamic Society of Santa Rosa had an open house and invited many organizations, including RECA, to attend a "getting-to-know-you" afternoon. Information, people to talk to, movies and good food were all part of the event. Judy Cheung went and met Henry Kaku and his wife of JACL entering at the same time. It was an excellent event. If you want to know more about Muslims in Santa Rosa, please contact Said Monsour, 707- 525-1144.

RECA ADULT CHORUS MEMBERS SING IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

In September, 5 RECA members were invited to join an international chorus to sing in Vienna, Austria. The group was made up of selected singers from America, China, Russia, Austria and other countries. The above photo was taken of part of the group singing in a grand, gold-guilt auditorium. They hope to go again next year.

SANTA ROSA SISTER CITY REPORT

Jeju Island, Korea, Sister City Committee.

Don Taylor (2nd L), owner of Omelette Express, and honorary citizen of Jeju Island, Korea, recently visited Jeju Island in conjunction with his duties as Santa Rosa-Jeju Island Sister City Committee. While there, he attended ceremonies for naming a street in Jeju, Santa Rosa Street. Off of 4th Street in downtown Santa Rosa, we have Jeju Street lined with murals painted by Korean and Santa Rosa youth groups. It is a redwood shaded, wide path between 4th and 5th Streets. RECA participated in the dedication ceremonies of Jeju Street two years ago. Also, a few years before that, Jeju Island donated two statues of their mythological beings to Santa Rosa. They can be seen on 2nd Street, part of the narrow, grassy park beside the Luther Burbank House and Garden. Thank you Don Taylor for all you do for being on the Jeju Island-Santa Rosa Sister City Committee and woring with RECA, including being CNY MC.

CNY PROGRAM ADS & SPONSORSHIPS

Each year, RECA receives its finances from the proceeds from the Annual Chinese New Year Celebration and Fundraiser. We benefit from the ticket sales, but even more, we raise money from selling ads and sponsorships in our souvenir program. If you are interested in buying an ad or being a sponsor, please contact Nancy Wang, 707-576-0533.

DON'T MISS OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Pot Luck Social
Saturday, December 4, 2010
6-9 p.m. Set-up 5:00
Rohnert Park 4-H Club
6445 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park
(from Santa Rosa, turn right on
Commerce Blvd and go behind Grocery Outlet)

New Year's Eve Party
December 31, 2010
RECA Center. Watch your email for details

Annual Chinese New Year Celebration and Fundraiser
February 26, 2011
Santa Rosa Vets Memorial Building
Maple Ave., Santa Rosa, CA
Tickets must be bought in advance.
Set-up 2:00
Doors open 5:00
Dinner 6:00
Entertainment 7:00
Clean-up 9-10

RECA-NAMI Getting-to-know-you meeting
Details TBA, after Chinese New Year.
We are hoping to have this informational
meeting in the new offices of NAMI
on Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa.
Watch your email for information

VIVIAN LEUNG IF YOUR NEED A LAWYER

THANK YOU TO OUR 2010 SPONSORS

RECA wants to thank our 2010 Sponsors for their kind donations that keep RECA able to continue our activities, perform for the community and be a public resource for people, businesses, schools and agencies who request our assistance.

Sonoma County Office of Education
Northwest Insurance Company

We hope all RECA members and friends will help support these establishments. We are honored that they help support our endeavors.

RECA MEMBERSHIP

RECA dues are due for 2010. Please use this form for new membership or membership renewal. Thank You!

RECA Membership dues are $20 per person (adult) or $30 per couple for January to December each year.

Please make your check payable to Redwood Empire Chinese Association and send it with this form to:
Redwood Empire Chinese Association,
P.O. Box 7854,
Santa Rosa, CA 95407.

Redwood Empire Chinese Association
P.O. Box 7854
Santa Rosa, CA 95407