Coming off the heels of the Christmas party, Steven Cheng became the mastermind for yet another great celebration. On an unseasonably warm February evening, helpers were hustling and bustling in the stake center cultural hall at 4pm to set up tables and chairs, to decorate, and to prepare the food and the program. At 6pm, the attendees were encouraged to browse through the food and craft booths: spring roll demonstration by April Garong and Amanda Truong (DC 2nd Ward), Korean fan making by Ashley Newby (DC 2 Ward) and family history by sister missionaries, calligraphy writing (Twin Lakes Branch), and paper cutting (Twin Lakes Chinese Branch).
The program tonight was emceed by Steven Cheng and Jess Daye (DC 2nd Ward). President Hsu from the Twin Lakes Chinese Branch welcomed everyone with a special message, followed by a blessing on the food by Joseph Cunningham. While the Chinese New Year music set the mood for everyone, at 7:15pm, the lion dance kicked off the program with Joseph Cunningham at the drums and Juni Kim with the gong and four lion dancers: Michael Slawson (DC 2nd Ward), Richard Huang (Montgomery Branch), Tou Moua (Chevy Chase Ward), Armando Crossland (Colonial Ward). The Shaolin Kung Fu troupe dazzled the audience with very well choreographed martial arts, including breaking a metal bar over the head and bending a sword at his throat. The Potomac Children's Choir directed by Sherry Yi sang Opera of Masks, followed by the DC Temple Orchestra directed by Harvey Droke performing Jasmine Flower. Then the combined orchestra and children's choir performed Journey to the West. The Montgomery Chinese Branch performed the Fan Dance, directed by Sufei Fugal. Then Elder Tan sang a song and Elder Yang (piano) sang a song Wei Yi (The Only One).
It was a wonderful New Year celebration to co-sponsor the party with the Twin Lakes Branch. Over 200 people came to join in the celebration. Everyone enjoyed the evening. Welcome to the year of the monkey!
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