It was a night of firsts. This year's celebration of the Chinese New Year was the first under President Patrick Shen and the first organized by Brother Da Zhao. It was the first collaboration with the Chinese Branch in Virginia. Sister Mariah Mallory from the Northern Virginia Chinese Branch coordinated with Brother Zhao to orchestrate this truly magnificent event. It was also the first to be emceed by Brother Mike Cunningham, who co-hosted the program with Sister Ellen Li, serving as emcee for the second time. It was the first time that the Huaxia Chorus was invited to participate in the program.
Set up with 20 tables and more than 200 chairs, the cultural hall of the Washington DC Stake Center was packed full with members, families, and friends. At 6pm, the evening began with a delectable dinner. There was plenty of food for everyone, and the desserts were simply magnificent. An hour later, the red and white lions appeared and danced to the beat of the familiar drum and cymbals. They dazzled and delighted the audience. As emcees, Mike and Ellen maintained the New Year spirit by introducing each program with enthusiasm and youthfulness. Next, 12 children of our branch sang the Rabbit Song and "Ba Luo Bo" or "Pulling out the Carrot" song. About 20 members of the Huaxia Chorus, attired in red and black and white, sang three traditional Chinese songs. Four young girls from the Northern Virginia Chinese Branch performed a Chinese dance called Feng Yang Hua Gu or "The Dance of the Drums." Following the dance, three young men from the Virginia Branch play the famous "Mo Li Hua" tune in a string triplet. Then the members of the Northern Virginia Chinese Branch favored us with some Chinese songs. Then 6 girls performed a Chinese dance to the Chinese song "Huan Le Nian Nian." Our very own branch choir sang two hymns and a Chinese New Year song called "Big Reunion." Interspersed throughout the program, several members were invited to share their memories of celebrating Chinese New Year before coming to the US. Those who shared stories included Sister Sarah Huang, Sister Fengdi Chen, Sisters Alexis and Charlotte Chang, and Elder Wang. President Patrick Shen from our branch and President Brandon Welling from the Northern Virginia Chinese Branch then shared the stage with the emcees to thank all those who participated in the program. The night was climaxed with the granting of red envelopes to the children by Brother and Sister Jewel. Then a big clean up campaign ensued with the assistance of all, young and old. At the same time, we bid farewell to each other and shared New Year wishes.
What a wonderful evening! The memories of this night will leave with us an indelible impression of the New Year. During the course of the evening, we embraced old friends, talked with current friends, and made many new friends. We enjoyed the delicious cuisine and shared our Chinese culture in the wonderful program. We worked together, laughed together, ate together, and talked together. We are grateful that the Northern Virginia Chinese Branch supported tonight's celebration by coming out en masse, providing food and program, and invited many friends from Virginia. We offer a big Thank You to Brother Da Zhao, Sister Mariah Mallory, the leaders of the two branches, the emcees, and all those who made this evening a big success.
Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit. Have a very happy and prosperous new year!
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